Posts by: Brian Murphy, Ph.D.

Brian Murphy, Ph.D.

Brian holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He has co-authored numerous scientific articles based on his previous research in the field of brain-computer interfaces and functional electrical stimulation. He is also passionate about making scientific advances easily accessible to the public.

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021

Adrenoleukodystrophy and Diet

Health Insight

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic disease in which very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) build up inside cells in males, causing a number of behavioral and neurological problems. Here is ... Read more

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021

Emergency Management of Adrenal Insufficiency in Adrenoleukodystrophy

Health Insight

An estimated 80% of men and boys with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) develop adrenal insufficiency — when the body does not produce enough of the steroid hormone cortisol. By comparison, only around ... Read more

January 6, 2021

How to Improve Your Sleep if You Have Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)

Health Insight

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system and adrenal glands, can cause an array of neurological symptoms that can impair a patient’s ability to get ... Read more

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020

Adrenoleukodystrophy and Exercise

Health Insight

Many patients with the adult form of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), called adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), experience weakness and stiffness in their leg muscles, leading to trouble walking. A careful exercise plan may help ... Read more

December 9, 2020December 9, 2020

The ALD National Registry

Health Insight

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting around one in 21,000 males in the U.S. Researchers think that one in 16,800 women are carriers (have a copy of the ... Read more

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for Children With Adrenoleukodystrophy

Health Insight

When adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) occurs in children, it is called childhood cerebral ALD or CALD, and it leads to serious neurological disorders. Children with CALD may experience learning and behavioral difficulties, ... Read more

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020

Tips for Dealing With Fatigue When You Have ALD

Health Insight

Fatigue is a common symptom for patients with chronic diseases such as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Fatigue can be defined as extended periods of exhaustion leading to a lack of energy and ... Read more

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020

Medications With No Clear Benefit for Adrenoleukodystrophy

Health Insight

A number of medications have been proposed as treatment options for adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and have had promising starts. However, further investigation in clinical trials showed a lack of benefit or ... Read more

November 4, 2020November 4, 2020

Treatment Plan for Adrenoleukodystrophy

Health Insight

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare genetic brain disorder that has been categorized into three different forms: childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD), adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), and Addison’s disease. If you or your child has ... Read more

October 21, 2020October 21, 2020

Just Diagnosed With Adrenoleukodystrophy, Now What?

Health Insight

A new diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder such as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) for your child or yourself can be frightening. Here is some information that may be helpful in understanding ... Read more