Addison's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the adrenal glands, leading to a deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone. It is a relatively rare condition, affecting approximately one in every 100,000 people.
The cause of Addison's disease is not fully understood, but the majority of cases are thought to be caused by an autoimmune process, in which the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the adrenal glands. In some cases, a genetic factor may be involved.
There is evidence that some cases of Addison's disease can be inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that a person must inherit two copies of a mutated gene (one from each parent). It is estimated that up to 10% of cases of Addison's disease are due to a genetic mutation.
In addition, there are some rare cases of Addison's disease caused by a single gene mutation. These cases are usually more severe and can affect multiple family members.
It is also possible for Addison's disease to be caused by other factors, such as infections, tumors, or certain medications. However, the cause is unknown in most cases.
Overall, it is possible for Addison's disease to be inherited in some cases, but the majority of cases are thought to be caused by an autoimmune process rather than a genetic mutation.