Is tay sachs disease a genetic tendency triggered by other factors?

Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the HEXA gene, which leads to the deficiency of an enzyme important for breaking down certain lipids in the brain. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a child must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to develop the disease. While environmental factors do not trigger Tay-Sachs, certain genetic backgrounds, such as Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, have higher carrier rates. Thus, it is primarily a genetic condition rather than one influenced by external factors.