What is AL Amyloidosis?
AL Amyloidosis, also known as primary amyloidosis, is a rare disorder characterized by the abnormal accumulation of a protein called amyloid in various organs of the body. This protein buildup can interfere with the normal function of these organs. AL Amyloidosis is considered the most common type of amyloidosis.
Understanding 'AL' in AL Amyloidosis: The 'AL' in AL Amyloidosis stands for 'Amyloid Light-chain.' This refers to the specific type of protein that is overproduced and leads to the disease. These light-chain proteins are components of antibodies created by your bone marrow. In AL Amyloidosis, the bone marrow generates an excessive amount of these proteins. When these proteins cannot be properly broken down, they begin to accumulate in different parts of the body, forming what is known as amyloid deposits.
Where does AL Amyloidosis affect?: These amyloid deposits can form in any organ within the body, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and nerves. The specific symptoms that an individual experiences will largely depend on the organs affected by these deposits.
Causes and Prevention of AL Amyloidosis: The exact reason why certain individual's plasma cells start to behave abnormally, leading to AL Amyloidosis, is not entirely understood. Importantly, it is not a contagious condition and is not thought to be caused by lifestyle factors such as diet or exercise. As of now, there are no known preventive measures for AL Amyloidosis, as most instances of the disease appear to occur randomly.
Understanding 'AL' in AL Amyloidosis: The 'AL' in AL Amyloidosis stands for 'Amyloid Light-chain.' This refers to the specific type of protein that is overproduced and leads to the disease. These light-chain proteins are components of antibodies created by your bone marrow. In AL Amyloidosis, the bone marrow generates an excessive amount of these proteins. When these proteins cannot be properly broken down, they begin to accumulate in different parts of the body, forming what is known as amyloid deposits.
Where does AL Amyloidosis affect?: These amyloid deposits can form in any organ within the body, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and nerves. The specific symptoms that an individual experiences will largely depend on the organs affected by these deposits.
Causes and Prevention of AL Amyloidosis: The exact reason why certain individual's plasma cells start to behave abnormally, leading to AL Amyloidosis, is not entirely understood. Importantly, it is not a contagious condition and is not thought to be caused by lifestyle factors such as diet or exercise. As of now, there are no known preventive measures for AL Amyloidosis, as most instances of the disease appear to occur randomly.
Is AL Amyloidosis hereditary?: While a family history can increase the risk for some types of amyloidosis, AL Amyloidosis is not typically considered a hereditary condition. It is not passed down from parents to their children through genes.
Incidence and Prevalence of AL Amyloidosis: The incidence of AL Amyloidosis, referring to how often new cases occur, is estimated to be between 1 and 3 new cases per 100,000 people annually in the United States. It can affect adults of any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 60 and 70. The prevalence, or how many people have the disease at any given time, is more challenging to estimate due to the rarity of the disease and the wide variety of symptoms it can cause. Some individuals might live with the disease for an extended period without realizing it, as their symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other conditions.
Incidence and Prevalence of AL Amyloidosis: The incidence of AL Amyloidosis, referring to how often new cases occur, is estimated to be between 1 and 3 new cases per 100,000 people annually in the United States. It can affect adults of any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 60 and 70. The prevalence, or how many people have the disease at any given time, is more challenging to estimate due to the rarity of the disease and the wide variety of symptoms it can cause. Some individuals might live with the disease for an extended period without realizing it, as their symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other conditions.
