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Is Machado-Joseph Disease contagious?

Is Machado-Joseph Disease transmitted from person to person? Is Machado-Joseph Disease contagious? What are the routes of contagion? People with experience in Machado-Joseph Disease help solve this question.

Is Machado-Joseph Disease contagious?

Machado-Joseph Disease is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in a specific gene. It is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the mutated gene to their children. Machado-Joseph Disease primarily affects the nervous system, leading to progressive symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination problems, and difficulty with speech and swallowing.



Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of certain regions of the brain, leading to a variety of symptoms including movement problems, muscle weakness, and difficulties with coordination and balance.



MJD is not contagious. It is an inherited condition caused by a mutation in the ATXN3 gene. This means that the disease is passed down from parents to their children through genetic inheritance. The mutation affects the production of a protein called ataxin-3, which plays a role in the normal functioning of nerve cells.



Individuals with MJD have an abnormal form of the ataxin-3 protein, which accumulates in certain brain cells and disrupts their normal function. Over time, this leads to the degeneration of these cells and the associated symptoms of the disease.



The inheritance pattern of MJD is autosomal dominant, which means that a person who inherits a single copy of the mutated gene from one affected parent will develop the disease. Each child of an affected individual has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene and developing MJD.



It is important to note that not everyone who inherits the mutated gene will develop symptoms of MJD. The age of onset and severity of the disease can vary widely among affected individuals, even within the same family. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms that progress slowly over many years, while others may develop more severe symptoms at an earlier age.



There is currently no cure for MJD, and treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and improving quality of life. This may involve physical therapy, medications to alleviate specific symptoms, and assistive devices to aid with mobility and daily activities.



It is crucial for individuals with a family history of MJD to undergo genetic counseling and testing. This can help determine their risk of developing the disease and provide information for family planning decisions. Additionally, genetic testing can aid in early diagnosis and intervention for individuals who may be at risk.



In conclusion, Machado-Joseph Disease is a non-contagious genetic disorder that is inherited from parents. It is caused by a mutation in the ATXN3 gene and leads to progressive degeneration of certain brain regions. While there is no cure for MJD, management of symptoms and genetic counseling/testing can help individuals and families affected by this condition.


Diseasemaps
2 answers
No. It's not contagious. It is a genetic disease.

Posted Oct 31, 2018 by Lo 300

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