Jewish genetic disorders

Jewish genetic disorders are health conditions more common among individuals with Jewish ancestry due to historical genetic bottlenecks and Founder effects, which increased certain gene mutations within this population. Examples include Tay-Sachs disease, a fatal neurological disorder, and Gaucher disease, affecting cells' ability to process fats. These disorders often follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, meaning a person must inherit two copies of the faulty gene to be affected. Carrier screening programs help identify these risks early, allowing informed family planning choices. Awareness and testing have significantly reduced the incidence of some disorders in Jewish communities through early detection and preventive strategies.