About three percent of the population is afflicted with nonsyndromic mental retardation. Now new research from the University of Montreal in Canada finds that genetic mutations cause the affliction. The mutations occur while the child is developing and are therefore not inherited.

People with nonsyndromic mental retardation have no physical abnormalities.

"Having an explanation helps families to better accept the condition," said Dr. Jacque Michaud, author of the study, which appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Posted By: Aspen Education Group