Bernard Sachs

Bernard Sachs (1858–1944) was an American neurologist best known for his research on Tay-Sachs disease, a fatal genetic disorder in children, primarily of Eastern European and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Sachs was a pioneering figure in American neurology, contributing significantly to the understanding of various neurological disorders.

Early Life and Education

Bernard Sachs was born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 2, 1858. He attended the University of Maryland for his undergraduate studies and later received his medical degree from the Strasbourg University in 1882.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Sachs returned to the United States and began his career at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He served as the head of the neurology department from 1900 to 1925. Sachs was also a founding member of the American Neurological Association and served as its president from 1906 to 1907.

Research on Tay-Sachs Disease

Sachs is most renowned for his work on Tay-Sachs disease. He was the first to describe the cellular changes in the disease and to associate these changes with the clinical features of the disorder. Sachs also noted the high incidence of the disease among Ashkenazi Jews and advocated for genetic counseling to reduce its prevalence.

Legacy

Sachs' work has had a lasting impact on the field of neurology. His research on Tay-Sachs disease has led to improved diagnostic techniques and has increased our understanding of the disease's genetic basis. Today, the Bernard Sachs Award is given annually by the Child Neurology Society in recognition of outstanding research in the field of child neurology.

See Also

• Tay-Sachs disease
• Neurology
• Genetic counseling