Mathematical modeling of Friedreich’s ataxia – a genetic neuro-muscular degenerative condition

SWASTI WAGH and D.K. WAGH; Journal of Ultra Scientist of Physical Sciences, Volume 29, Issue 2, Page Number 66-70, 2017 doi:10.22147/jusps-A/290203

Currently Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) is not considered an important health problem because of its relatively low prevalence in the general population. However with improvement in health care diagnosis and delivery provisions, more and more people with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) are being diagnosed and surviving. This means that its incidence and prevalence is bound to change. We have used a mathematical model to estimate generational increase in the number of patients and carriers with FA. The results portray a scary picture and hence demand measures to take it more seriously by health care providers.

Today Friedreich’s Ataxia is considered to be a rare disease. Being genetic it passes on in offspring. Calculations based on the Mathematical Model reveal that practically in the seventh generation almost 1/4th of the population becomes patient. This is very serious and to avoid this measures must be taken. On the basis of Mathematical Model we can suggest following measures. It follows from matrix B that if a carrier is crossed with the normal, the probability of offspring being patient is zero. Hence if the carrier is not allowed to cross with patient or the carrier the increase in population of patients can be controlled.