October is Niemann-Pick Disease Awareness Month

Unless someone close to you has been diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD), you probably haven't heard of this rare set of genetic pediatric disorders that typically affect children of elementary school age.

NPD is characterized by an enzymatic deficiency that affects metabolism and leads to malfunction of major organ systems and deterioration of the nervous system. NPD is progressive, degenerative—and until a cure is found—always fatal. Symptoms usually appear in children between the ages of 4–10, although they can appear later in life.

The National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation supports and promotes research to find treatments and a cure, and provides support services for children and families.

Go to http://nnpdf.org for more information.