Lorenzo's Oil: Leukodystrophy (X-ALD)
Conclusion
According to research it is proven that before Lorenzo’s oil was developed, many teenagers especially boys died at a young age due to the accumulation of saturated fatty acids in the blood. Lorenzo’s oil consisting of oleic and erucic acids which reduces the level of VLCSFAs in the blood helped improve the nervous system of many boys and made them live longer. As proven in the movie, Lorenzo’s oil worked effectively as it helped Lorenzo recover and improved his nervous system. According to a study that was done, it showed the reduction of ALD symptoms development by 67% .In addition, the oil is effective as it reduces and prevents the inception of the disease if taken before the symptoms show. Lowering the levels of very long chain saturated fatty acids reduces the threat of developing the childhood form of the disease.
Summary …show more content…
In the movie Lorenzo’s oil, it is clearly indicated how the X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) affects the brain.
X-ALD being a type of Leukodystrophy, it results in demyelination of cells. The accumulation of VLCSFAs in the nerve cells indicates the presence of the disease resulting in demyelination of the central nervous system and adrenal; insufficiencies. The symptoms include deterioration of the nerve and the loss of verbal communication, strength and coordination. This may lead to neurological disability or death. The movie portrays Lorenzo developing symptoms of X-ALD at the age of five years. After being told there is no hope for Lorenzo to recover, his parents, Augusto Odone and Michaela Odone, are unwavering to find a cure. They developed the treatment known as Lorenzo’s oil (combination of oleic and erucic acid) of which it was still considered as a miracle oil of hope. In a couple years’ time of researching about the oil, Lorenzo’s oil was found not to be a cure for X-ALD but a treatment to prevent the
disease.
According to research it is proven that before Lorenzo’s oil was developed, many teenagers especially boys died at a young age due to the accumulation of saturated fatty acids in the blood. Lorenzo’s oil consisting of oleic and erucic acids which reduces the level of VLCSFAs in the blood helped improve the nervous system of many boys and made them live longer. As proven in the movie, Lorenzo’s oil worked effectively as it helped Lorenzo recover and improved his nervous system. According to a study that was done, it showed the reduction of ALD symptoms development by 67% .In addition, the oil is effective as it reduces and prevents the inception of the disease if taken before the symptoms show. Lowering the levels of very long chain saturated fatty acids reduces the threat of developing the childhood form of the disease.
Summary …show more content…
In the movie Lorenzo’s oil, it is clearly indicated how the X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) affects the brain.
X-ALD being a type of Leukodystrophy, it results in demyelination of cells. The accumulation of VLCSFAs in the nerve cells indicates the presence of the disease resulting in demyelination of the central nervous system and adrenal; insufficiencies. The symptoms include deterioration of the nerve and the loss of verbal communication, strength and coordination. This may lead to neurological disability or death. The movie portrays Lorenzo developing symptoms of X-ALD at the age of five years. After being told there is no hope for Lorenzo to recover, his parents, Augusto Odone and Michaela Odone, are unwavering to find a cure. They developed the treatment known as Lorenzo’s oil (combination of oleic and erucic acid) of which it was still considered as a miracle oil of hope. In a couple years’ time of researching about the oil, Lorenzo’s oil was found not to be a cure for X-ALD but a treatment to prevent the
disease.