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X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy

(ALD; Sudanophilic Leukodystrophy; Schilder Disease)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic disorder. In people with ALD, the body cannot properly break down fatty acids. This results in a build up of saturated fatty acids in the brain and the adrenal cortex. This causes damage to the myelin sheath in the brain and adrenal gland.

Myelin Sheath Around Nerve Fiber

There are 6 subtypes:

Childhood cerebral ALD
Adolescent ALD
Adrenomyeloneuropathy
Adult cerebral ALD
Adrenal insufficiency-only
Symptomatic heterozygotes

Causes

An inherited defective gene causes ALD.

Risk Factors

Having family member with ALD raises your risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms differ within the types of ALD.

X-linked ALD (Childhood Cerebral ALD)

This form is the most severe. It is only in boys. Symptoms start between 2 to 10 years of age. Boys may have:

Behavioral changes
Poor memory
Slowed thinking and physical movements
Loss of skills

As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms begin, such as:

Problems seeing
Seizures
Hearing loss
Problems swallowing and speaking
Problems with walking and coordination
Vomiting
Lack of energy
More skin pigment
Progressive dementia
Vegetative state or death

X-linked ALD (Adolescent Cerebral ALD)

This type is like the childhood type. It starts around 11-21 years of age. It happens more slowly.

Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN)

This is the most common form. Symptoms of AMN can start in the 20's. It slowly gets worse. You may have:

Lack of strength, clumsiness, weight loss, and nausea
Emotional problems or depression
Motor/movement problems, such as walking problems
Urinary problems or impotence

X-linked ALD (Adult Cerebral ALD)

With this type, symptoms usually do not appear until 20 or 50 years of age. It causes symptoms that are like schizophrenia and dementia. It gets worse quickly. Death or a vegetative state can happen in 3-4 years.

Symptomatic Heterozygotes

This form is only seen in women. Symptoms may be mild or severe. It usually does not affect the adrenal gland function.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests and genetic tests may be done.

Treatment

There is no known cure for brain damage from ALD. But the adrenal deficiency can be treated with cortisone replacement. ALD often causes death 10 years after symptoms start.

Some therapies can ease symptoms, such as:

Physical therapy
Mental health therapy
Special education for children

Prevention

ALD can’t be prevented. If you have ALD or have a family history of ALD, you can talk to a genetic counselor when deciding to have children.

RESOURCES:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov

United Leukodystrophy Foundation
http://www.ulf.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
http://www.canada.ca

The Myelin Project of Canada
http://www.myelin.org

References:

Berger J, Pujol A, et al. Current and future pharmacologic treatment strategies in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Brain Pathol. 2010;20(4):845-856.

Moser HW. Therapy of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. NeuroRx. 2006;3(2):246-253.

Moser HW, Raymond GV, et al. Adrenoleukodystrophy: new approaches to a neurodegenerative disease. JAMA. 2005;294(24):3131-3134.

Moser HW, Raymond GV, et al. Follow-up of 89 asymptomatic patients with adrenoleukodystrophy treated with Lorenzo's oil. Arch Neurol. 2005;62(7):1073-1080.

NINDS adrenoleukodystrophy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Adrenoleukodystrophy-Information-Page. Accessed July 6, 2018.

Last reviewed May 2018 by Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated: 7/6/2018

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