Adrenoleukodystrophy

Children are prone to viruses and diseases; some of these conditions they may get from the environment, but some, sadly, are hereditary. One rare hereditary disorder is the Adrenoleukodystrophy. This disease - ALD for short - is also called Schilder’s disease or Siemerling-Creutzfeldt Disease.

Adrenoleukodystrophy can lead to failure of adrenal glands and brain damage. If left untreated, this disease can lead to death. People who have ALD are missing an essential protein that is needed to breakdown fatty acids. The build up of these fatty acids soon damages the adrenal glands and the brains. More information can be found at the ALD Family Support Trust.

Unfortunately, there is still no cure for this disease. There are charitable groups that aim to change this, though, such as ALD Family Support Trust – a charitable group that can help families who have members who have ALD. This group can help and give financial, emotional, and medical assistance, and most importantly, give hope. It also supports treatment research.

Different types of Adrenoleukodystrophy occur in a few people. The common X-Link type usually happens in children - particularly male patients - but one out of five females may experience symptoms of the disorder. Another common type is Adrenomyeloneuropathy, which occurs during adulthood and also the adolescent stage.

Medical solutions to at least decrease the symptoms are being researched. Some findings suggest that certain diets help decrease the patient’s intake of fatty acids. But the best cure for this disorder is prevention. If a family has this disorder, it is best to go to a doctor or ask help from the ALD Family Support Trust before the symptoms act up.