A Vietnamese woman suffering from a rare premature ageing disorder has been treated in Taiwan, doctors said Friday.
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai, 28, began experiencing premature ageing when she was 10 years old but was unable to get proper treatment due to financial difficulties, doctors said.
Nguyen had the appearance of a 70-year-old, walking difficulties and other health problems before coming to Taiwan in April, said doctors at China Medical University Hospital in central Taiwan.
She was diagnosed with the rare ageing disorder Werner syndrome, and underwent plastic and other surgeries to rejuvenate her appearance and treat skin and lung conditions, they said.
Doctors said she marked the first treatment case of premature ageing in Taiwan and that she is expected to maintain her improved condition by taking medications and avoiding the sun.
"I feel like I am being reborn and there are hopes in my life again," she said through a translator in Taipei.