adrenoleukodystrophy
n. a genetic disease characterized by destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding the neurons of the brain (i.e., demyelination) and progressive dysfunction of the adrenal gland. Nerve function becomes erratic, resulting in a variety of physiological and behavioral symptoms involving changes in body tone, motor movements, gait, speech, ability to eat, vision, hearing, memory, attention, and cognitive processes. There are several types of adrenoleukodystrophy, of which the childhood X-chromosome-linked form is the most common and severe.