ADRENOLEUKO DYSTROPHY (ALD)

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic condition that causes the buildup of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in the brain. When VLCFAs accumulate, they destroy the protective myelin sheath around nerve cells, responsible for brain function. Without the myelin sheath, the nerves can no longer relay information to and from the brain.

The defective gene in ALD, commonly referred to as a genetic mutation, can cause several different but related conditions: adrenomyelopathy (AMN), Addison’s disease, and — the most common and most devastating form — cerebral ALD. Cerebral ALD strikes boys between ages 4 and 10, leading to permanent disability and death usually within four to eight years.

One in every 21,000 males is born with ALD. Although females who carry the ALD gene mutation do not develop the full ALD condition, approximately half may develop some symptoms.

SYMPTOMS & CAUSES

CAUSES

ALD is an X-linked recessive condition caused by a mutation in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome. Because a female has two X chromosomes, if she inherits the faulty gene, then she still has another X chromosome to offset the mutation. However, because males only have one X chromosome, the gene abnormality causes the disease.

With each pregnancy, female ALD carriers have a 25 percent (1 in 4) chance of having a carrier daughter and a 25 (1 in 4) percent chance of having a son affected with the disease.

SYMPTOMS

Boys with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy usually begin showing symptoms between the ages of 4 and 10. The most common symptoms include:

• behavioral problems
• withdrawal or aggression
• poor memory
• poor school performance
• difficulty reading and writing and understanding speech

As the condition progresses, other signs and symptoms of cerebral ALD may include:

• vision problems
• seizures
• difficulty swallowing
• deafness
• poor coordination
• inability to speak or respond

Without treatment, ALD progresses rapidly, often leading to a vegetative state or death within a few years.

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms

Few homoeopathic medicine can be thought of in the management of adrenoleukodystrophy  are:

silicea, baryta carb., calcarea carb., lac can., gelsemium, zinc met., etc.