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Polyglucosan Body Disease, Adult

Abstract

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Synonyms of Polyglucosan Body Disease, Adult

  • APBD
  • Polyglucosan Body Disease, Adult Form

Disorder Subdivisions

  • No subdivisions found.

General Discussion

Adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD) is a rare, chronically progressive, metabolic disorder with severe neurological expression. It is caused by the abnormal accumulation of microscopic material (polyglucosan bodies), predominantly within the myelinated nerve fibers (motor neurons). The polyglucosan bodies are spherical and composed of large, complex, sugar-based molecules (branched polysaccharides).

The disorder typically affects both upper and lower motor neurons, resulting from nerve damage within the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) respectively. Symptoms usually begin during middle age or later and usually include muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and/or wasting of muscles (atrophy) in the arms and/or legs. Impaired bladder control (neurogenic bladder) and/or mental confusion (dementia) also occur.

Organizations related to Polyglucosan Body Disease, Adult

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