Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 20,000 people worldwide. It is an X-linked recessive disorder, meaning it is passed down from parent to child through the X chromosome.
ALD affects the adrenal glands and the white matter of the brain, leading to a range of issues and symptoms, including behavioural and learning difficulties, issues with movement, and seizures.
The severity of ALD can vary, and it is estimated that about one in every 17,000 males and one in every 70,000 females will show signs of ALD before they reach the age of 18.
In the United States, the prevalence of ALD is estimated to be one in 21,000. In European countries, the prevalence rate is slightly lower, at around one in 40,000 individuals.
ALD is also more common in certain ethnic groups than others. For example, in the USA, it is estimated that ALD is more than twice as common in Hispanic and African American populations than in Caucasian populations.
In summary, ALD is a rare disorder that is estimated to affect around one in 20,000 people worldwide. The prevalence of ALD varies from country to country and from ethnic group to ethnic group, but it is generally estimated to be around one in 21,000 in the USA and one in 40,000 in Europe.