Symptom 2: Motor Skill Degradation
Another warning sign of MLD is the degradation of motor skills. Initially, this may manifest as slight clumsiness or an inexplicable difficulty in performing tasks that require fine motor skills. You may find your handwriting becoming less legible, or perhaps it’s suddenly challenging to manipulate the utensils while eating.
Unlike the normal clumsiness we all occasionally experience, this reduction in motor skill efficiency is progressive. Over time, you may find the range of tasks you struggle with broadening. Tasks that were performed effortlessly might seem to require more concentration and effort.
Fine motor skills aren’t the only ones affected by MLD. The disease also takes a toll on gross motor skills, which involve movements of the larger muscles responsible for functions such as walking, sitting upright, or maintaining balance. As MLD progresses, these gross motor skills may also begin to deteriorate.
The loss of motor skills isn’t merely an inconvenience. It’s a sign of the serious damage that MLD inflicts on the nervous system. The same buildup of sulfatides that leads to muscle weakness also impacts the body’s motor functions.
This motor skill degradation is a critical symptom of MLD, one that requires immediate attention. If you or someone you know exhibits a persistent and unexplained decline in motor skills, seek medical advice. Remember, early detection can make a significant difference in managing MLD and improving the individual’s quality of life. (2)
