Andreas Rett

Andreas Rett

Name	Andreas Rett
Birth name
Birth date	January 2, 1924
Birth place	Fürth, Germany
Death date	April 25, 1997
Death place	Vienna, Austria
Alma mater
Occupation	Neurologist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Rett syndrome
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Andreas Rett (January 2, 1924 – April 25, 1997) was an Austrian neurologist and researcher, best known for his discovery of Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that affects brain development, resulting in severe cognitive and physical impairments. Rett's work has had a profound impact on the field of pediatric neurology and has led to significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Early Life and Education

Andreas Rett was born in Fürth, Germany, and later moved to Austria where he pursued his medical education. He studied medicine at the University of Innsbruck, where he developed an interest in neurology and pediatrics. After completing his medical degree, Rett specialized in neurology and psychiatry, focusing on developmental disorders in children.

Career

Rett began his career at the University of Vienna, where he worked in the pediatric neurology department. His interest in developmental disorders led him to observe and document a group of young girls who exhibited similar symptoms, including loss of purposeful hand skills, repetitive hand movements, and severe cognitive impairment. In 1966, Rett published his findings in a German medical journal, describing the condition that would later bear his name.

Discovery of Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects females. It is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene located on the X chromosome. The disorder is characterized by normal early growth and development followed by a slowing of development, loss of purposeful use of the hands, distinctive hand movements, slowed brain and head growth, problems with walking, seizures, and intellectual disability.

Rett's initial publication went largely unnoticed until 1983, when Swedish researcher Bengt Hagberg and colleagues published an article in the journal Annals of Neurology, bringing international attention to the disorder. This led to the recognition of Rett syndrome as a distinct clinical entity and spurred further research into its genetic and molecular basis.

Legacy

Andreas Rett's contributions to the field of neurology have been instrumental in advancing the understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. His work laid the foundation for subsequent research into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying Rett syndrome and similar conditions. Today, Rett syndrome is recognized as one of the most common causes of intellectual disability in females, and ongoing research continues to explore potential treatments and interventions.

Also see

• Rett syndrome
• MECP2
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Pediatric neurology
• Bengt Hagberg