Mitochondrial Diseases
Adeline Flores, Chet Peterson, Taylor Ross
Description of Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondria is responsible for creating more than 90% of energy needed for the body to keep growing and sustain life
Mitochondrial Diseases result from the failure of the mitochondria
Mitochondria is present in every cell except red blood cells
Mitochondrial Disease primarily affects children, but the disease in adults is becoming more common
Mitochondrial Disease causes the most damage to the cells in the brain, liver, skeletal muscles, kidney, the endocrine system and respiratory systemPossibilities of the child having Mitochondrial Diseases
What Mitochondrial Diseases can effect
Graph of patients that had Mitochondrial Diseases in 2012
Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Other Potential Cures
Types of Mitochondrial Diseases
Alpers Disease
Complex 1 Deficiency
Complex 2 Deficiency
Complex 3 Deficiency
Complex 4 Deficiency/COX Deficiency
Complex 5 Deficiency
Leigh Disease/Syndrome
Luft Disease
Mitochondrial Cytopathy
Mitochondrial Myopathy
Pearson Syndrome
Respiratory Chain
Causes of Mitochondrial Diseases
Causes of mitochondrial diseases are genetic deficiencies, and long term nutritional loss. Once genes have been passed, it builds our bodies with traits carried from our parents along with any deficiencies and mutations. This means that the gene can go along the line from one person to another but can affect each person a different way. They are not caused by anything a person does and it is not contagious.
Symptoms of Mitochondrial Diseases
There are many symptoms an undiagnosed patient can experience. Some of the most common symptoms are; hearing loss, muscle weakness, cramping, and pain, seizures, trouble with coordination and balance, exercise intolerance, and learning deficits. This is because nerves and muscles cells have a high need of energy, but due to the fact that cells are lacking mitochondria, leads to complications such as these along with other heart, liver, and internal problems and malfunctions.
Recent Research for Potential Cures of Mitochondrial Disease
- There are no recent potential cures for Mitochondrial Diseases.
- You can take vitamins and supplements
- If the disease affects motor skills physical therapy can be taken
- Treatments can be tailored to meet the patient’s needs
- Treatments may be effective enough to delay or stop the progression of the disease
- Effectiveness of the treatment can vary, depending on the severity of the disorder
Careers in Regards to Mitochondrial Diseases
Doctors, Pediatricians, Neurologists, Geneticist, Medical Directors, Gerontologists, Anesthesiologist.
Living with a Mitochondrial Disease
Paralympian Joe Wise
How can we support someone who is/has been impacted by mitochondrial diseases?
You can help by donating to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation which promotes research and education for the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of mitochondrial disorders and to provide support to affected individuals and families.