Leon Barretto

Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week is observed from the 13th of September to the 19th of September. World Mitochondrial Disease Week raises awareness of the mitochondrial disease through educational, fundraising, and advocacy activities. Present in nearly all types of human cells, mitochondria are vital to our survival. They generate the majority of our adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. Mitochondria are also involved in other tasks, such as signaling between cells and cell death, otherwise known as apoptosis.

Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria. Mitochondrial diseases are long-term, genetic, often inherited disorders that occur when mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for the body to function properly. If this process is repeated throughout the body, whole organ systems begin to fail. The parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, muscles, and lungs, requiring the greatest amounts of energy are the most affected.

Symptoms of mitochondrial diseases can include:

Mitochondrial disease is difficult to diagnose because it affects each individual differently. Moreover, mitochondrial diseases are often mistaken for common diseases. Mitochondrial disease is an inherited condition. Your mitochondria can also be affected by other genetic disorders and environmental factors. this disease primarily affects children, adult onset is becoming more common. The aging process itself may result from deteriorating mitochondrial function

Treatment

• Vitamins and supplements.
• Exercise.
• Conserving energy. Don’t try to do too much in a short period of time. Pace yourself.
• Other treatments. These may include speech therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy and occupational therapy.

Currently, there is no single laboratory test that is able to accurately diagnose mitochondrial disease in most people, and no effective treatments exist for many individuals with mitochondrial disease.