By: Kayla Mills

Wilson’s disease is when the body cannot get rid copper that is accumulates in the tissues

It damages the organs especially the liver, brain, and the nervous system

It is also called Hepatolenticular Degeneration

Copper build up affects the basal ganglia part of the brain

Wilson’s disease is caused by a mutation to the ATP7B gene

There is a greater risk that you will develop it if both parents have the mutation in the gene

Occurs in about 1 in 100,000 people

About every 1 in 100 person has a bad copy in the gene but, many do not develop Wilson’s disease

It affects men and women equally

Liver failure

Skin and eyes become yellow

Muscle stiffness

Osteoporosis and arthritis at a young age

Fatigue

Problems with speech

Lack of coordination

Swelling of liver and spleen

An example of osteoporosis caused by Wilson’s Disease

Wilson’s Disease also causes jaw and speech problems

Liver transplants

Therapy

Should not eat foods that contain copper:

ShellfishMushroomsChocolate Nuts

U.S. Food and Drug Administration- they are experimenting with anticopper drugs

Wilson’s Disease Association- they offer support to people with Wilson’s Disease, research possible cures, and raise money for treatment

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/wilson/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson's_disease#cite_note-Ala-0http://www.healthline.com/images/gale/big/gecd_02_img0222.jpghttp://cms.multichoice.co.za/contentimages/dstvondemand/September%202008/Carte%20Blanche/LG/MN_carte_20090215_3_3_700k.jpghttp://www.pediatric-orthopedics.com/Treatments/Perc_Lengthening/perc_lengthening.htmlhttp://www.gfmer.ch/genetic_diseases_v2/gendis_detail_list.php?cat3=314http://api.ning.com/files/aUEoPE*coZ1-3-mljta2TP*6I80nWnrKOsBAOZMndgYSFPkGE2tfHe5hGRSRdegevQw7F*Ai0caaD8okEY14mS46L82JvK7v/copper.jpg