October 11, 2016.
A British study has just shown that language exercises can help diagnose Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. A discovery that would allow this disease to be detected earlier.
Carriers of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome are faster with words
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome could be diagnosed early through language and phonology exercises. This disease, which is characterized by nervous tics, sometimes violent, sudden movements or vocalizations, was at the heart of a study conducted by researchers at the University of Newcastle, UK.
These scientists realized thata child with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome was able to repeat a list of words as accurately, but more quickly than another child. However, this discovery could allow specialists to diagnose the disease early, from the first symptoms which generally appear during childhood, often at the start of schooling.
A disease still mysterious for science
The origin of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is still a mystery to science today. We know that the character of this disease is strongly genetic, but no scientist has yet determined the cause of its occurrence. The genes responsible for this syndrome have not yet been identified.
Today, science does not know how to cure this syndrome which would affect one in 2,000 people in France. Treatments have been shown to be effective in reducing nervous tics in people who suffer from them, while some manage to overcome their disease without medication. Psychotherapy may also be recommended to accompany treatment.
