Rare genetic defect
World’s oldest progeria patient: Her body ages five to ten times faster than others
At 58, Heidrun Heuer is currently the oldest progeria patient in the world
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With progeria, the body ages faster than normal. A woman from Lower Saxony is currently the oldest person in the world to be affected by the rare genetic defect.
by Johanna Luda
This article first appeared on RTL.de
The age of her body is far ahead of her actual age! Heidrun Heuer from Lower Saxony was born with the rare genetic defect progeria, which causes the body to age very quickly. But at her current age, the 58-year-old has not only exceeded the average life expectancy of her progeria type, but is also a full 13 years older than Tiffany Wedekind from the USA, who was previously considered the oldest affected person.
This is how the progeria patient lives with the disease
The rate at which our bodies age in healthy people is largely dependent on lifestyle and genetics. However, people who were born with the incurable genetic defect age a lot faster, regardless of external influences – about five to ten times as fast.
Depending on the type of progeria, the first signs often become apparent in childhood or during puberty. This is also the case with Heidrun: “I received the diagnosis as a child – my mother went to the doctor with me after the first abnormalities appeared.”
Even as a child, Heidrun showed the first signs of the genetic defect
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“Nevertheless, as far as I can remember, I had a good childhood – I played hide and seek with other children, went to elementary school and later to secondary school and was therefore able to graduate from secondary school. After that I went to home economics school and also did internships. In 1984 I came to a non-profit organization in Lamspringe, where I have been working in the workshop ever since.”
In addition to manual work, Heidrun Heuger is also responsible for the attendance list and ordering meals. “I’m very proud of this responsibility and trust. I like to do group work. I also take part in courses offered by the facility, such as the computer course, where we learn how to use computers.”
Despite health problems
Heidrun, who currently lives with her father, has various health problems due to progeria. The rapid aging of the body is primarily accompanied by diseases that typically occur with advanced age.
Heidrun has therefore been suffering from osteoporosis since 2008: “Even minor falls break my bones – I’ve already broken my leg twice”. Nonetheless, she remains positive.
“I’m living well with the disease so far. I’ve adapted certain things to my state of health, such as my diet,” she says. In addition to typical signs and illnesses of old age, Heidrun also has non-specific complaints such as recurring stomach pains, which manifest themselves with other symptoms.
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At times, Heidrun would not have thought that she would reach her current age. With her story she now wants to encourage other affected people and their relatives.
“Despite my diagnosis, I kept going to achieve my goals,” says Heidrun. “And the most important thing is: I haven’t lost my joy and my laughter, because no matter how stupid life is sometimes, you always have to do your best and above all never lose your smile!”