FREE ESSAY ON ALD

ALD

Aaron Brassard
Ms. Smith
Feb 27 2001 
ALD
I really enjoyed watching this movie. It has really opened my eyes up to a new world of
biology, and what can be done when you put your mind to it. This movie had a great impact
on me even if I didn't see the ending. 
I was really impressed with the will power of the two parents. In life it is not always
easy to keep on pushing when there are so many people around you telling you that it will
never happen. A part in the movie that probably influenced me the most is when the
father, Gustoph, has fallen asleep in the library and he has a dream about his son. Well
his son is showing him the cure to ALD. I found that part o be really good but there
where so many good parts in the movie.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a serious progressive, genetic disorder, which affects the
adrenal gland and the white matter of the nervous system. It was first found in 1923 and
has been known as Schilder's disease and sudanophilic leukodystrophy. In 1971, Dr.
Michael Blaw named it Adrenoleukodystrophy; adreno= the adrenal glands; leuko= the white
matter of the brain, dystrophy=meaning imperfect growth or development.
ALD is a peroxisomal storage disease where abnormal peroxisomes lead to accumulation of
very long chain fatty acids in tissues of the body, mostly the brain and the adrenal
glands. The myelin sheath surrounding the nerves is destroyed causing neurologic
problems, and the adrenal gland malfunction causes Addison's disease. ALD will slowly
tare away at every thing in your body until there is nothing left. It is a horrible
disease and we have to do every thing that we can to stop it.