What does adrenoleukodystrophy do to the body?

ALD prevents the body from breaking down very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), causing these fatty acid chains to build up in the brain, nervous system and adrenal gland. The accumulation is thought to cause inflammation in the body, damaging the myelin sheath.

What does adrenoleukodystrophy mean?

Adrenoleukodystrophy (uh-dree-noh-loo-koh-DIS-truh-fee) is a type of hereditary (genetic) condition that damages the membrane (myelin sheath) that insulates nerve cells in your brain.

Is ALD painful?

Some people experience a variety of symptoms such as pain, numbness or tingling in the legs, mild to moderate weakness of the arms and hands, urinary and bowel disturbances or incontinence and walking and balance problems. These problems begin as a general leg weakness and stiffness and progress to walking difficulty.

What causes the symptoms disorder of ALD?

What causes ALD? ALD is an X-linked recessive condition caused by a mutation in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome. Because a female has two X chromosomes, if she inherits the faulty gene, then she still has another X chromosome to offset the mutation.

What do you need to know about adrenoleukodystrophy?

Studies are currently underway to identify new biomarkers of disease progression and to det… X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that cause damage to the myelin sheath, an insulating membrane that surrounds nerve cells in the brain.

What does X linked adrenoleukodystrophy ( ALD ) mean?

Definition X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that cause damage to the myelin sheath, an insulating membrane that surrounds nerve cells in the brain.

When did Southern Medical University become a university?

It was founded in 1951 and became one of the National Key Universities in 1979. Approved by the State Council and the Central Military Commission of the PLA, the university came under the jurisdiction of Guangdong Province in August 2004, whereupon it was renamed Southern Medical University.

When does adrenoleukodystrophy lead to a vegetative state?

Supportive care and careful monitoring of impaired adrenal gland function may help in improving comfort and quality of life. The childhood form of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a progressive disease. It leads to a long-term coma (vegetative state) about 2 years after nervous system symptoms develop.