News

Patient passports improve life for rare disease families: Study

A patient passport designed for people with rare diseases such as aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency can ease communication and care coordination challenges faced by patients and their caregivers, a pilot study showed. Participants reported that the passports — concise documents that summarize a person’s condition, care needs,…

Gene therapy outcomes in AADC deficiency best tracked by doctors

Analysis of certain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes the brain and spinal cord does not predict clinical outcomes following gene therapy in children and adolescents with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. That’s according to a recent study that analyzed CSF and clinical…

New mobile app connects rare disease patients to research

A new mobile app aims to make it easier for people with rare diseases — including aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency — and their caregivers to take part in research and long-term studies. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) designed the IAMRARE mobile app to connect directly with…

NORD summit spotlights how patient experience drives progress

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) announced that its annual Rare Diseases & Orphan Products Breakthrough Summit centered on the theme “From Voices to Breakthroughs.” The event, held October 19-21 in Washington, D.C., highlighted how lived experiences fuel significant scientific and policy advancements. The event featured a…

New dopamine sensor may help diagnose, treat AADC deficiency

Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect dopamine, which may be a useful tool for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases such as aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The sensor was described in the study, “Electrochemical Dopamine Sensing Using Mn-Doped CeO2 Nanomaterial-Modified Carbon Paste Electrode…