The Most Beneficial Treatments for Adrenoleukodystrophy

There are many rare diseases all over the world that we have yet to fully understand. One of these is adrenoleukodystrophy, one of a group of diseases known as the leukodystrophies. These cause damage to the myelin sheath that protects the nerve cells of the brain. This condition has a direct effect on the progressive system of the brain function as well as function of the adrenal glands. This article will tell you about the different causes, symptoms, and treatments for adrenoleukodystrophy. If you want to know more, then give this article a read.

Adrenoleukodystrophy: What is this Condition?

Adrenoleukodystrophy is actually the term for a group of hereditary pathological illnesses which mainly affect the nervous system and adrenal glands. There are other terms for adrenoleukodystrophy, like Schilder-Addison complex, childhood cerebral ALD and adrenomyeloneuropathy.

Adrenoleukodystrophy is rare, affecting around 1 in every 50,000 individuals. Furthermore, this illness affects more males than females.

This mysterious disease seems to strike without any warning signs, leading to a build-up of fatty acids in the tissues of the body, particularly in the myelin sheath of the central nervous system and the adrenal cortex. While this typically manifests in children as a cerebral condition, there is a dormant version which can develop into adulthood.

The condition is often characterized by relatively normal development followed by a dramatic reversion to a somatic state. The condition is very serious, so it is important to consult with your doctor if you notice any symptoms. Currently, there is no known cure for the condition.

Adrenoleukodystrophy: Types

There are three types of adrenoleukodystrophy, and the symptoms depend on which type of the condition a patient has:

• Addison disease: this form is caused by adrenal insufficiency.
• Adrenomyelopathy: this mainly affects males and is a much milder form of the condition, with slower progression.
• Childhood Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy: this is mainly common in children ages 3 to 10. Progressing rapidly, its results may be severe and, in rare cases, may also lead to death.

Causes of Adrenoleukodystrophy

The ADLP, or adrenoleukodystrophy protein, helps the body break down fatty acids. Those with adrenoleukodystrophy have gene mutations, which means their bodies are not able to make enough of the protein. When the protein does not do its job, fatty acids may accumulate inside the body, thus harming the outer level of the cells in the testes, adrenal glands, brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of Adrenoleukodystrophy

The symptoms of adrenoleukodystrophy may vary, depending on what type it is.

Symptoms of Addison

• Discoloration of the skin
• Coma
• Muscle weakness
• Vomiting
• Reduced muscle mass
• Unintentional weight loss
• Poor appetite

Symptoms of Adrenomyelopathy

• Vision problems
• Problems focusing and thinking
• Stiff legs
• Muscle weakness
• Poor urinary control

Symptoms of Childhood Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy

• Coma
• Paralysis
• Hyperactivity disorder
• Vision problems
• Trouble comprehending
• Loss of hearing
• Dysphagia
• Seizures
• Muscle spasms

Diagnosis of Adrenoleukodystrophy

The symptoms of adrenoleukodystrophy can imitate other diseases, so various tests are required to distinguish it from other neurological problems. Your doctor may advise a blood test to:

• Find a genetic mutation, which causes adrenoleukodystrophy
• Check your adrenal glands
• Search for abnormally high levels of VLCFAs

Your own doctor may also search for brain damage with an MRI scan. A biopsy (skin samples) and fibroblast cell culture may also be beneficial to test for VLCFA.

Treatments for Adrenoleukodystrophy

As previously stated, there are no known treatments for adrenoleukodystrophy. However, stem cell transplantation may stop the progression of adrenoleukodystrophy. This is done when when the neurological symptoms first occur; your doctor will focus on relieving the symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease.

Other treatments for adrenoleukodystrophy include:

• Genetic counseling: this can also include your family
• Physical therapy: this may help relieve muscle spasms and reduce their rigidity.
• Medications: there are prescribed medicines to relieve symptoms like seizures and stiffness.
• Adrenal insufficiency treatment: this is boosts adrenal function.
• Stem cell transplant: this slows down or halta the progression of the condition in children. The cells can be taken from bone marrow through a bone marrow transplant.

With the proper medications, lifestyle changes and positive mindset, it is not impossible to prevent adrenoleukodystrophy or to overcome it and live a normal life.