Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Synopsis
Rett disorder, first described by Andreas Rett in 1966, is a condition which involves the functions on which intelligence and expression depend. It is probably the most common genetic disorder encountered in profoundly intellectually disabled females. Its many manifestations include epilepsy, scoliosis, nutritional difficulties, and disorders of mood and movement. This book provides an up-to-date account of current research into the disorder at a time when the causative mutations have just been discovered on the MeCP2 gene. The first section of the book presents the clinical signs and the latest research into the genetic, neuro- anatomical and neuro-chemical aspects of Rett disorder. The second section moves on to deal with the neuro-physiological research, concentrating on the autonomic system, which is deeply implicated in the disease mechanisms. The final section of the book examines the behavioural and psychological features of Rett disorder and discusses issues relating to communication. The chapters are written by a distinguished, international team of experts, all currently active in research. The contributions bring our understanding of the Rett disorder right up-to-date, as the study of the condition moves from an era of description into a time when there are real possibilities for beneficial interventions.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Daniel B. Hier, MD(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description:The editors have gathered 40 contributors to create a well written and detailed review of current knowledge about the previously enigmatic Rett's syndrome.
Purpose:Rett's syndrome was first described by Rett in 1966. This book provides a detailed review of current knowledge.
Audience:This book will be of interest to behavioral pediatricians, child neurologists, and other specialists who diagnose and treat developmentally delayed children.
Features:It is divided into 15 chapters that deal with the clinical, genetic, neuropathological, behavioral, and biochemical aspects of this disorder. It carefully interweaves important information about normal and abnormal brain development with the clinical presentation and basis of Rett's syndrome. In the British tradition, the writing is terse and clear.
Assessment:This book is a gem. The craftsmanship of the editors is obvious in their introductory and concluding chapters. I wish all neurological texts were as well written and carefully edited. The book tells a fascinating story of investigation in a readable format.