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Machado-Joseph disease
Machado-Joseph disease is a type of spinocerebellar ataxia caused by a mutation in the ATXN3 gene. It causes ophthalmoplegia and mixed sensory and cerebellar ataxia It is also known as Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. It was first identified in 1972.[1] Machado-Joseph Disease is a rare, inherited disease that causes lack of muscle control. Chromosome 14 is where the gene that is responsible for MJD is located. Based on DNA studies, MJD is the most widespread, autosomal dominant inherited form of ataxia in the world. Additional recommended knowledge
SymptomsSymptoms of MJD are spasticity, difficulty with speech and swallowing, weakness in arms and legs, clumsiness, frequent urination and involuntary eye movements. Symptoms can begin in early adolescence and they get worse over time. There is no cure for Machado-Joseph Disease, however, there are treatments available for some symptoms. For example, spasticity can be reduced with Antispasmodic drugs, such as baclofen. Eventually, MJD leads to paralysis however, intellectual functions usually remain the same. PrognosisLife expectancy ranges with people who have the disease. A normal life expectancy is expected in patients with a mild form of MJD. Those with severe forms of MJD are expected to live only to their mid-thirties. The cause of death of those who die early is often aspiration pneumonia. PathophysiologyMJD has lengthy irregular repetition of the DNA genetic code located within a gene on chromosome 14q. The code "CAG" is repeated and produces a mutated protein called ataxin-3. In affected cells, this protein piles up and assembles intranuclear inclusion bodies. These insoluble spheres are located in the nucleus of the cell. These spheres conflict with the normal activity of the nucleus and induce the cell to degenerate and die. ClassificationThe types of MJD are characterized by the onset and age and range of symptoms.
DiagnosisMJD can be diagnosed by recognizing the symptoms of the disease and by taking a family history. Physicians ask patients questions about the kind of symptoms relatives with the disease had, the progression and harshness of symptoms, and the ages of onset in family members. The best diagnosis of MJD can be made only with a genetic test. References
Categories: Genetic disorders | Neurological disorders |
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Machado-Joseph_disease". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia. |