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