• Laurie Brown
• National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling

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18 June 2010Fragile X is a group of associated genetic disorders (FXDs) that include:
 

• Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) - most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, behavioural disorders and speech and language delays that manifest in early childhood;
• Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) - neurological disorder which sets in at age 50 years or over, causing tremors, balance and memory problems, and cognitive decline; and
• Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) - causes irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and premature menopause in females.

 
FXS affects individuals across generations. It has been the subject of an increasing amount of medical research since the late 1960s but this work has not been complemented by research into the social and economic costs attached to individuals and families nor into the burden of the disorder at a national level.