{"id":20185,"date":"2025-04-03T14:15:41","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T18:15:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/neurology\/?p=20185"},"modified":"2025-04-25T15:02:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T19:02:38","slug":"understanding-x-ald-and-its-impact-on-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/neurology\/understanding-x-ald-and-its-impact-on-women\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding X-ALD and Its Impact on Women"},"content":{"rendered":"

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a genetic condition that affects how your body breaks down certain fats called very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). Imagine your cells have tiny recycling centers (called peroxisomes) that process these fats. X-ALD happens when a specific gene, the ABCD1<\/em> gene, has a change (a mutation) that makes it hard for these recycling centers to work properly. This causes VLCFAs to build up, which can be harmful, especially to your brain, spinal cord, and adrenal glands.<\/p>\n

How is X-ALD passed on?<\/h2>\n

Typically, X-ALD is passed down through families and the gene (ABCD1)<\/em> is located on the X chromosome, one of the two chromosomes that determine your sex. Males have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. Because of this, X-ALD affects males and females differently.<\/p>\n