What type of Tay-Sachs disease presents as slowly progressive symptoms in teens or adulthood?

The type of Tay-Sachs disease that presents as slowly progressive symptoms in teens or adulthood is late onset Tay-Sachs. This variant differs from the more common infantile form, where symptoms manifest in the first six months of life and lead to significant neurological decline. Late onset Tay-Sachs typically has a later onset, often emerging in adolescents or adults, and exhibits a milder progression. Individuals may experience symptoms such as weakness, loss of motor skills, and cognitive decline, which can develop over time, distinguishing it from the rapid decline seen in the infantile type.

While subacute juvenile Tay-Sachs does exist and can cause progressive symptoms, it usually appears at an earlier age than late onset, typically between 2 and 5 years old. Therefore, the distinguishing characteristic of late onset is its manifestation in older individuals with a more gradual symptom profile. Chronic Tay-Sachs is not a recognized category, making it less specific when compared to late onset.