Writings about Ataxia, being DeafBlind, family life. The best life can offer!


Term question

Hey folks:
My wife and I had a good discussion yesterday and it had to do with terms, I am interested to hear what you have to say…
Do people with ataxia have:
1) Disease?
2) Syndrome? Or,
3) Disorder?

Reason I ask is because I’ve seen many incidences, in blogs and articles, about rare diseases, then, in the actual article or blog, the author seems to use disease and syndrome interchangeable.

My wife also informed me that some parts of the world, disease is much more prevalent. As it carries more connotation, positive or negative. It also leads to more government recognition and funding… maybe… maybe not…

My understand, and my wife agrees, is that a Disease is something that can be cured. While a Syndrome is genetic and incurable. And the Disorder is usually a psychological reference.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks you for your time today!

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About the author

Craig MacLean is DeafBlind with ataxia, a rare condition called CAPOS. He & his wife of 22 years have two sons, the oldest of which has CAPOS as well.

Craig uses American Sign Language to communicate. He is an avid writer, friend, Hot Wheel collector and intervenor advocate.

Craig sits on many committees, boards and associations as a DeafBlind rep. He graduated university with a BA in psychology in 2000.