A cluster of people in South Wales has been found to be affected by Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder.
DRPLA, along with Huntington's disease, Friedreich's ataxia and Fragile X syndrome, belong to a set of over 30 genetic conditions known as trinucleotide repeat disorders.
A team of researchers from Cardiff University conducted a study in 2007, publishing their findings in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. They found 17 patients with DRPLA in four families in South Wales. Previously, DRPLA was most commonly reported in Japan and thought to be rare in Caucasian populations.
The symptoms of DRPLA generally include seizures, progressive memory loss, muscle jerking or twitching and impaired control of bodily movements – known as ataxia.
There is currently no known treatment or cure for DRPLA.
Visit BBC News to read recent personal stories from people affected by the condition.