What is mitochondrial disease and how does it affect people?

What is mitochondrial disease and how does it affect people?

Mitochondrial diseases are long-term, genetic, often inherited disorders that occur when mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for the body to function properly. One in 5,000 individuals has a genetic mitochondrial disease. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Can you live a normal life with mitochondrial disease?

Some patients’ symptoms worsen over time, some have severe symptoms most of the time, and some patients have “flare-ups” or times when their symptoms are worse. Some patients have a nearly normal lifespan, and others have a reduced lifespan.

Does mitochondrial disease affect adults?

While this disease primarily affects children, adult onset is becoming more common. The aging process itself may result from deteriorating mitochondrial function. There is a broad spectrum of metabolic, inherited and acquired disorders in adults that can be attributed to abnormal mitochondrial function.

Is mitochondrial disease serious?

Mitochondrial disease (mito) is a debilitating and potentially fatal disease that reduces the ability of the mitochondria to produce this energy. When the mitochondria are not working properly, cells begin to die until eventually whole organ systems fail and the patient’s life itself is compromised.

How does mitochondrial disease affect the heart?

The typical cardiac manifestations of mitochondrial disease—hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, left ventricular myocardial noncompaction, and heart failure—can worsen acutely during a metabolic crisis.

How does mitochondrial disease affect the cell?

These include genetic diagnostic testing, genetic or biochemical tests in affected tissues, such as muscle or liver, and other blood or urine based biochemical markers. However, our knowledge is still growing and we do not yet know all of the genes that could potentially cause mitochondrial disease.

How does mitochondrial disease affect the brain?

Features: Brain abnormalities that can result in abnormal muscle tone, ataxia, seizures, impaired vision and hearing, developmental delays, and respiratory problems. Infants with the disease have a poor prognosis.

Can people with mitochondrial disease have kids?

This separation of mitochondrial and cellular DNA means that if a child’s father has mitochondrial disease due to a gene contained in the mitochondria, it is very unlikely his children will inherit the disease.

Is mitochondrial disease always fatal?

Without the right amount of energy, our cell’s cannot do their job and they stop performing and start to die. If a lot of Mitochondria in the body are affected, especially in important body organs, mitochondrial disease can be very serious and often fatal.

Is mitochondrial disease fatal?

If a lot of Mitochondria in the body are affected, especially in important body organs, mitochondrial disease can be very serious and often fatal.

Is mitochondrial disease painful?

Chronic pain is common in patients with mitochondrial disease. Pain due to mitochondrial disease is primarily of neuropathic nature. Distribution, intensity and type of pain are genetically determined.

How does the mitochondrial disease affect a person’s life?

Answer Wiki. Mitochondria exist in nearly every cell of the human body, producing 90 percent of the energy the body needs to function. In a person with mitochondrial disease, the mitochondria are failing and cannot convert food and oxygen into life-sustaining energy.

Where are mitochondria located in the human body?

We All Have Mitochondria. Mitochondria exist in nearly every cell of the human body. It’s responsible for creating 90% of the energy you need to sustain life and support organ function. What Is Mitochondrial Disease?

Can a mitochondrial disease be inherited from a mother?

Only mitochondrial disorders caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA are exclusively inherited from mothers. If this is the way a mitochondrial disease was inherited, there is a 100% chance that each child in the family will inherit a mitochondrial disease.

Is there a correct diagnosis for mitochondrial disease?

An affected individual may exhibit a spectrum of symptoms. According to the Mitochondrial Care Network, a correct diagnosis is difficult because many common conditions have been linked to unhealthy mitochondria. Generally, a neurologist or geneticist will raise a concern and suggest testing for mitochondrial disease.