Ataxia SCA7: A Family's Battle Against a Rare Disease

Ataxia: Death in the Blood - A Rare Disease's Impact on Families in Spain and Mexico This documentary from ABC.es sheds light on spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), a rare genetic disease that has profoundly affected the Romero Chicharro family in Spain. The film follows Nuko Romero Chicharro as he recounts the family's experiences, showing how four out of seven family members have been diagnosed with SCA7. "It's like watching them slowly fade away," says one family member, describing the disease's progressive effects on vision, mobility, and ability to eat. The documentary also highlights the alarmingly high prevalence of SCA7 in Mexico, where communities exhibit rates thousands of times higher than the global average. Researchers are working to understand the disease's genetic basis and develop effective treatments. Despite the challenges, the film offers hope and showcases the resilience of families affected by this rare disease. The documentary's personal stories and medical information make it a valuable resource for raising awareness and fostering research into SCA7.