The AADC Family Network will be hosting the fifth annual AADC Awareness Day Event on Wednesday, October 23, 2024!

Links to previous Awareness days:
2021 / 2022



Donate $100

 and get a YETI of your choice!

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One day I will walk, 

One day I will talk, 

TODAY I can smile. 

What is AADC?

Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency (AADC) is a very rare genetic inborn error of metabolism which affects the biosynthesis and transport of dopamine and serotonin (two critical neurotransmitters in the brain). This enzyme deficiency interferes with the communication between cells in the nervous system and is crucial for overall development and motor function of the body.  The autosomal recessive inheritance is caused by a mutation in the DDC gene where L-dopa converts to Dopamine and 5HTP to Serotonin. Dopamine is a precursor to catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine, thus the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and autonomic nervous systems are affected as well. Signs and symptoms can develop in early infancy and intensify over the first year of life. 
The following are some of the symptoms a child will present with:

 

  • Poor feeding (poor coordination latching during feeding, reflux)
  • Hypersalvation (drooling)
  • Weak muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Ptosis (droopy eyelids)
  • Developmental delay (lack of head control, inability to crawl, sit, poor speech, etc)
  • Diaphoresis (excessive sweating )
  • Abnormal posturing/dystonia (back arching, forced neck rotation, awkward arm and leg positions, decreased body movements/hypokinesia)
  • Tremors (hands / legs / ankles shaking)
  • Involuntary limb movements (athetosis)
  • Oculogyric crisis (eye deviation up, down and side to side – eyes getting stuck in upward or crossed position)
  • Irritability
  • Sleep disturbance (poor sleep or excessive sleep) 
  • Temperature instability
  • Neurologic impairment
  • Autonomic dysfunction
  • Behavioral problems

 

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What Is the ALADD Foundation?

The ALADD Foundation, Inc. was established in 1998 for the charitable and educational purposes of providing research, medical intervention, and support to families and individuals affected by AADC. We also seek to raise awareness for this deadly disease, and to find a cure for AADC through participation in all services and activities designed to carry out that goal.

About Us
How We Can Help

The AADC Family Network

The AADC Family Network and the ALADD Foundation are one in the same – but the AADC Family Networks mission is to help families in all areas related to AADC, including funding to assist families experiencing financial challenges. The primary, but not exclusive, focus is to enable AADC children to live at home as well as have access to any and all treatment available for the disease, including Gene Therapy. 

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AADC
Location

While we are based in Massachusetts, we gladly assist families suffering from AADC all across the United States!

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