Progeria is an extremely rare genetic condition. Its formal name is Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. It got its name from Jonathan Hutchinson. Jonathan was the first person to describe the disease in 1886, and the first to refer to it as progeria.

Progeria is caused by the mutation of the gene LMNA, or Lamin A. The Lamin A protein is the structure that holds the nucleus of the cell together. Researchers believe that the Lamin A protein mutation makes the nucleus unstable, which appears to lead the process of premature aging. Progeria causes physical changes that resemble greatly accelerated aging. People with progeria experience slow growth, and the loss of weight and hair. They most often have narrow, wrinkled faces. Also, their skin becomes tough, and their range of motion becomes very limited. Over time, progeria victims also develop diabetes that does not respond to insulin, hardened arteries, and usually...