The Adrenoleukodystrophy

• What’s the Prognosis?

About 1 in 17,000 people are born with a genetic disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This severe brain disorder is sometimes called Addison’s disease or cerebral sclerosis. It mainly affects boys and men. There’s no cure yet, but a diagnosis early in life may keep it from getting worse.

What Is It?

ALD causes severe damage to your nervous system. It does this by breaking apart the fatty covering (called myelin) that protects nerves in your brain and spinal cord. This makes it harder for nerves to send messages to your brain.
The adrenal glands, which help control things like your immune system, blood pressure, and other functions, are also harmed by ALD. Because of that, your body can’t make enough of the hormones you need to be healthy

How Do You Get ALD?

A mutated gene on the X chromosome (the strand of DNA that decides if you’re born male or female) is the cause of ALD. Males have one X chromosome, so only need to inherit one damaged gene from a parent to be affected. Females have two X chromosomes so are less likely to have ALD. If they do, it’s often less severe.
What Are the Different Types?
ALD can come in several different forms. Symptoms will vary with each one, but often become worse over time.
Cerebral Demyelinating ALD: 45% of people with ALD have this type. It’s the most severe form of ALD. Symptoms often start between ages four and eight and include:

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• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Problems with vision, hearing, and motor function
• Behavior problems
• Hyperactivity
• Getting tired easily
• Clumsiness
• Low blood sugar
• Eye pain
• Migraines
• Viral infections that keep coming back
• Skin that looks tanned or bronzed

Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN):

This adult form of ALD tends to have milder symptoms. About half of those who have it don’t show signs until they’re in their 20s or 30s. Still, like ALD, AMN can cause a severe loss of brain function. Some early signs Addison’s disease: Over time, ALD causes severe damage to the adrenal glands. This can’t be reversed.

The symptoms include:
• Weakness• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Darkened skin
• Stomach pain

Female ALD:

Women who inherit the mutated gene that causes ALD often don’t have the brain disease, but may show mild symptoms. Most of the time, these start after the age of 35. They can include:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Joint pain
• Urinary problems

Jordan – Irbid

*Fatima Bint Al Yaman Comprehensive School

*Under the supervision of Teacher: Hanan Al Omari

* Work book Student:

Nagham Jaradat and the students of the project one million blue ribbons