Brain Disorders: Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
Adrenoleukodystrophy also known as ALD is a deadly disease that can affect 1 in 18,000 people. ALD is an X linked chromosome that is genetically inherited from the mom passed down into her unborn son. Women carry X chromosomes and men carry the X and Y chromosomes, however if a man inherits two X chromosomes from the mom instead of just one then he will have Adrenoleukodystrophy. This disease most commonly affects boys and men. Adrenoleukodystrophy is a brain disorder that destroys the myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds the brain’s neurons, the nerve cells that allow us to think and to control our muscles. ALD does not discriminate in one’s race, ethnic, or geographic barriers. ALD is most devastating in early childhood years ranging
from the ages between 4 and 10 years old. All of a sudden healthy boys or normal boys would begin to regress. The first sign would be behavioral problems such as difficulty concentrating. Gradually, these symptoms begin to affect the brain causing the symptoms grow worse including, blindness and deafness. Other symptoms include seizures, loss of muscle control, and progressive dementia. This downward spiral would lead to death or long term disability that could be severe.
from the ages between 4 and 10 years old. All of a sudden healthy boys or normal boys would begin to regress. The first sign would be behavioral problems such as difficulty concentrating. Gradually, these symptoms begin to affect the brain causing the symptoms grow worse including, blindness and deafness. Other symptoms include seizures, loss of muscle control, and progressive dementia. This downward spiral would lead to death or long term disability that could be severe.