"Tay-Sachs disease destroys the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord, and its symptoms show up in infancy. This book describes the condition and the genetic causes behind it, follows researchers on their path to scientific discovery, identifies people who have heroically cared for children with this heartbreaking disease, and tracks the latest treatments and research aimed at helping those living with it. Sidebars highlight medical breakthroughs and the people who made them."--Publisher.

Hope and heartbreak -- Three ages of onset -- Isolated condition -- Cultural imperative -- Problems and progress.