Jewish Genetic Disorders: A Layman's Guide

by Ernest L. Abel

This guide to genetic disorders that tend to affect the Jewish population more than the non-Jewish begins with a short history of the Jews and basic facts concerning genetics and genetic disorders. The in-depth information that follows is categorized under blood, cancers, central nervous system, connective tissue, gastrointestinal, metabolic or endocrine, respiratory, sensory, and skin. Included for each disorder is information on variations, frequency, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, transmission, treatment and prevention, and notes on where more information about each disorder can be obtained. A glossary of terms and index are provided.

242 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jonah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although this book covers much interesting information, it has idiosyncratic definitions (illness = disability?!), bizarre vaguenesses and sometimes outright contradictions.

For instance, on page 121:

Symptoms of idiopathic torsion dystonia usually appear in early childhood, always before the age of 10. If symptoms do not appear by 30 years of age, they will rarely appear at a later age.

Well, what is it? Do symptoms always appear before the age of 10, or do they sometimes appear as late as 35?

The passive tone is used and there is no good or original criticism of data. And the data quoted is often considerably older than the book.