02/10/2025
disease is a group of inherited lysosomal storage disorders where harmful lipids accumulate in cells, especially in the spleen, liver, lungs, bone marrow, and brain. This build-up causes progressive organ dysfunction and neurological decline, leading to a wide range of symptoms such as developmental delays, difficulty walking or swallowing, seizures, and respiratory complications.
There are several types of Niemann-Pick, including Type A, B, and C, each with varying severity. Type A often presents in infancy with rapid progression, while Type C is sometimes called “childhood Alzheimer’s” due to its profound impact on cognition. Despite being rare, families often endure long diagnostic journeys, as symptoms can mimic more common diseases.
Awareness is critical because ongoing research into gene therapy and substrate reduction therapy offers hope for patients. Greater recognition ensures better access to clinical trials, earlier diagnosis, and comprehensive care for affected families.