Transcript ALD and Muscular Dystrophy

ALD and Muscular Dystrophy
Heather Vandevanter
Period 2
ALD
Adrenoleukodystrophy
OVERVIEW

Myelin (insulation around nerves) breaks down over time

Nerves can’t function properly or at all w/out Myelin

Progressive disorder
WHAT CAUSES ALD? WHO GETS IT?

Body can’t break down fat molecules which build, clog, and hurt
nerve cells in brain/spinal cord

Inherited Genetic disorder linked to X (woman) chromosome
DO ALL ALD PATIENTS DIE?

45% of cases devastating (nerves in brain are destroyed w/in 6 mo.
to 2 yrs.)

45% of cases = AMN (adrenomyeloneuropathy). Like Multiple
sclerosis, there’s body damage, not brain

10% of ALD cases start with Addison’s disease and may slowly
move to AMN (least severe)
CAN ALD BE CURED?

Olive oil / Low fat diet?

Lovastatin drug?

Bone Marrow Transplant?

Hormone replacement?
MUSCULAR
DYSTROPHY
OVERVIEW

Progressive weakness / degeneration of skeletal muscles that
control movement

Birth- Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Adolescence- Becker Muscular Dystrophy
IS MUSCLE DYSTROPHY ALWAYS DEVASTATING?

Three Types:

Duchenne: Mutation in gene that regulates Dystrophin, or
protein the maintains muscle fiber ( walk- 12, breath- 20)

Facioscapulohumeral: Progresses slowly (mild  disabling)

Myotonic: Characterized by Myotonia (prolonged muscle spasms)

Can be treated w/ certain meds
CAN MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY BE CURED?

Like ALD, still no cure

Respitory/Physical Therapy for Muscles

Orthopedic appliances for support
THE END