Adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare genetic disease linked to the X chromosome that reaches the adrenal glands, nervous system and testes. The disease affects men particularly and can manifest itself at any age.
Adrenoleukodystrophy alters myelin, a protein present in the white part of the nervous system. The nervous system functions as a kind of electrical circuit and myelin has the function of isolating the nerve cells from this circuit. When there is a change in the myelin, the conduction is not done properly and the nervous system loses its functions.
Symptoms of Adrenoleukodystrophy
The symptoms of adrenoleukodystrophy gradually appear. The individual loses adrenal functions, the abilities to speak and interact, have to wear glasses due to strabismus, have difficulty walking, start feeding through a catheter, have many convulsions and in a short time the individual is as in Coma state. Everything happens because your body can not remain alone, needing the help of appliances.
Life expectancy
Adrenoleukodystrophy can manifest in the first months of the baby's life and in this case, the life expectancy is 5 years. If it manifests itself between 4 and 10 years of life, the child has a life expectancy of approximately 10 years and when the disease manifests itself in adult life the individual can live for many decades, although the deterioration of the nervous system is equally progressive.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy is done with the use of hormones of the adrenal glands and with the oil of Lorenzo, to delay the evolution of the disease. Physical therapy and psychotherapy are also indicated.
Transplantation of bone marrow can be indicated in specific cases. Docosahexaenoic acid is indicated for the treatment of neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, but adrenoleukodystrophy is currently uncured.
The film "Lorenzo's Oil" portrays the story of a boy who has Adrenoleukodystrophy and is based on real facts.
