About ALD/AMN
What is ALD?
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked disease that is caused by an underlying genetic mutation in the ABCD1 gene, which affects the body’s ability to create the protein that helps the process of breaking down very long–chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). The saturated VLCFAs build up in the brain, nervous system, and adrenal gland and eventually destroy the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves. ALD affects approximately 1 in 17,000 people worldwide.
What is AMN?
Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) is ALD that commonly starts in adulthood. It affects the spinal cord and nerves. Men may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Walking and balance problems
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs
- Mild to moderate weakness of the arms/hands
- Urinary disturbances or incontinence and bowel urgency or incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction, or the inability to obtain or maintain an erection
