Teenager looks like a pensioner because he’s ageing eight times faster than normal

Teenager looks like a pensioner because he’s ageing eight times faster than normal

Mangalore Today News Network

Oct 08, 2015: Nihal, 14, has wrinkly skin, withered limbs and a bald head because of the genetic disorder Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome.

Old before his time: Nihal Bitla, pictured with his dad and younger sibling, 14 years old boy but has the appearance of someone much older

A teenage boy has the appearance of a pensioner because he is ageing eight times faster than normal.

Nihal, 14, has wrinkly skin, withered limbs and a bald head because of the genetic disorder Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS).

He also weighs a tiny 12.5kg - just under two stone - stands at just 4ft tall and has had to stop school because his friends have started to tease him.

However the condition does not affect his brain so his mind will remain young despite his body’s rapid decline.



Bullied: Nihal has had to leave school after being picked on about his appearance

Nihal, who lives on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, has now started clinical trials for a cancer drug that doctors hope will slow the ageing process.

It is not clear if his life expectancy will be lengthened following the research at Progeria Research Foundation in Boston.

In the meantime he has devised a bucket list in the hope of fulfilling his dreams such as meeting Honda’s ASIMO robot and going to Disneyland in California.

His father Srinivas said: "No matter how much time is left, I just want to try to fulfil my son’s wishes for now."

Nihal appeared healthy until 18 months old when his parents noticed some light patches and dark spots on his skin.

He then stopped developing normally, his joints became weak, his hair fell out and his skin aged rapidly.

For years, the family did not know what was wrong with him until five years ago when medics gave them the devastating news he had (HGPS).

It is caused by a genetic mutation in the gene LMNA, which is responsible for producing a protein that helps maintain the structural integrity of the nucleus in cells.

Small: Nihal is only 4 ft tall and weight just two stone

His family say he has a kind, gentle nature and gets on well with his two healthy siblings, sister Sonu, 11, and a brother Lucky, 4.

Now, he says he has three wishes in his life; to meet ASIMO The Robot made by Honda in Japan; to go to Disneyland in California and another secret wish he says he will reveal later in his life.

 

Courtesy: London Mirror