National Geographic Explorer Season 6 Episode 10 Fatal Insomnia

National Geographic Explorer season 6 episode 10, titled "Fatal Insomnia," delves into the mysterious and deadly disease known as fatal familial insomnia. This episode follows the stories of individuals affected by this rare genetic disorder, which results in the complete inability to sleep. With no cure in sight, the prognosis for those afflicted is bleak.

The episode begins by introducing the audience to the origins of fatal familial insomnia, which is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the thalamus in the brain. This part of the brain regulates sleep, so as the disease progresses, the afflicted individual loses the ability to sleep, leading to a host of other symptoms that ultimately prove fatal.

We first meet Barry McCarney, a man who is struggling with the early stages of fatal familial insomnia. As a former builder, Barry is used to a physical job that requires a lot of energy, but now he finds himself constantly lethargic and unable to concentrate. He speaks of the frustration of knowing that his time is limited and that there is no cure for what ails him. As the episode progresses, we see Barry's decline worsen, leaving him near death.

The next individual we are introduced to is a woman in Italy named Daniela. Daniela is unique in that she is one of the few people known to have survived the disease thus far. We learn about her family's difficult journey with fatal familial insomnia, as her father, sisters, and uncles all succumbed to the disease. After Daniela tested positive for the gene mutation, she was determined to do everything in her power to delay the onset of symptoms. She became a vegetarian, exercised regularly, and went to great lengths to manage her stress levels. While it's not clear whether these efforts had any impact, Daniela has yet to experience the devastating effects of the disease that has taken so many of her family members.

The episode then transitions to explore the science behind fatal familial insomnia. Experts explain that the genetic mutation responsible for the disease is incredibly rare, with only one in seven million individuals possessing the gene. However, for those who do carry the mutation, the likelihood of developing the disease is practically guaranteed. While researchers are working on treatments for the disease, there is still a long way to go before any substantive progress can be made.

The remainder of the episode focuses on the stories of other individuals and families impacted by fatal familial insomnia. We learn about a woman named Dawn who passed away from the disease, leaving her husband and children to grapple with the pain of her loss. We also meet a man named Jeff, who, despite knowing that he has the gene mutation, is determined to live life to the fullest and not let his diagnosis define him. Throughout these stories, the episode emphasizes the heartbreaking nature of the disease and the toll it takes on both the individuals affected by the illness and their loved ones.

Overall, National Geographic Explorer season 6 episode 10 "Fatal Insomnia" offers a poignant and educational look at a rare and deadly disease. By highlighting the experiences of those impacted by fatal familial insomnia, the episode gives viewers a glimpse into the devastating effects that genetic disorders can have on individuals and their families. While the lack of a cure is undoubtedly concerning, the episode also emphasizes the importance of genetic testing and early diagnosis in working towards better treatments and potential cures for genetic disorders.