Adrenoleukodystrophy is an X linked genetic disorder in all males that affect the nervous system and the adrenal glands; these glands are located at the top of each kidney. The fatty covering the spinal cords is prone to deterioration this reduces the ability of the nerves to send important information to the brain. It could also shorten the amount of certain hormones. ALD is caused by a genetic abnormality, commonly referred to as a “genetic mutation”. This affects the X chromosome, otherwise known as an “x-linked” condition. Everyone has two sex chromosomes: women have two X chromosomes and men have an X and a Y chromosome. If a woman inherits the abnormal X chromosome, she still has a normal, second X chromosome to help balance out the effects …show more content…
The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that control levels of sugar, sodium, and potassium in the body, and help it respond to stress. In Addison’s disease, the body produces insufficient levels of the adrenal hormone, which can be life-threatening. The life expectancy depends on the sign and symptoms, but typically this is the mildest of the three types. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a deadly genetic disease that severely affects only boys and men. Because women have two X chromosomes and are the carriers of the disease, but since men only have one X chromosome and lack the protective effect of the extra X chromosome, they are more severely affected. It is where the brain disorder destroys myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds the brains neurons. It is the nerve cells that allow us to think and to control our muscles. There are 1 in 20,000 to 50,000 individuals worldwide that are affected by this …show more content…
Sometimes steroids can be used to treat Addison disease but there are no methods for treating the other types of ALD. There are several ways that helped some patients get through ALD which is; switching your diet, taking Lorenzo’s oil, medications to relieve symptoms such as seizures and physical therapy to loosen muscles and reduce spasms. Doctors are still looking for the correct treatment there are always new treatments for ALD that are being tried. There are some treatments that will decrease the pain in patients, here are some options: Stem cell transplant, this may be an option to slow or stop the progression of ADL in children that’s only if the disease is diagnosed and treated early. Stem cells may be taken from bone marrow through bone marrow transplant. Adrenal insufficiency treatments, many people who have ALD develop adrenal insufficiency and need to have regular adrenal gland testing. Adrenal insufficiency can be treated effectively with steroids this is called corticosteroid replacement therapy. Medications, your doctor might prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms, including stiffness and seizures. Physical therapy, this may help relieve muscle spasms and reduce muscle rigidity. Your doctor will recommend wheelchairs and other mobility devices if needed. Lastly there is Genetic counseling; your treatment may include genetic counseling for you and your family. Specialists will explain your diagnosis and