Late Onset GM1
Gangliosidosis Disease

Coping with a Rare Condition

Overview

GM1 gangliosidosis (GM1) disease is a rare lysosomal storage disease where the absence of a vital enzyme called beta-galactosidase (GLB1) causes a fatty substance called GM1 ganglioside to build up in the nerve cells, which damages the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of late onset GM1 gangliosidosis typically appear in adolescence and into adulthood.

There is currently no cure for GM1 disease, but there are treatments to manage symptoms. The main symptom management issues for individuals affected by late onset GM1 are mobility, speech, and mental health.

Cause

GM1 disease is a rare genetic condition that’s passed from parents to children. It is a recessive disorder, which means that both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on to a child.

Symptoms

GM1 exists on a spectrum, and every individual will experience it differently.

Often, individuals will reflect on their childhood and realize they experienced symptoms like speech difficulties or lack of athleticism long before receiving a diagnosis. Sometimes late onset GM1 is misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Some of the first signs you may experience are:

  • Clumsiness
  • Muscle weakness in the legs
  • Mental health symptoms, such a bipolar episodes or psychosis

As the disease progresses, you may experience:

  • Gradual loss of skills, leading to the need for mobility assistance
  • Difficulty speaking and swallowing

Newly Diagnosed

To confirm a late onset GM1 gangliosidosis diagnosis, biochemical and genetic testing may be recommended. Often a neurologist or geneticist will confirm the diagnosis.

First Steps

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when receiving a diagnosis of late onset GM1 gangliosidosis. Take the time you need to absorb the news and process your emotions. Consider reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors to build a support network to help you today and moving forward.

You’re always welcome to reach out to our Family Services Team for information, advice, and support at any point in your experience.

When you’re ready, the following steps will help you get organized and move forward.

  • Gather Key Information: Use a notebook, folder or binder to collect information, adding to it as you go. Important information to gather includes:

    • Where the evaluation/assessment was done
    • Where the diagnosis was made
    • Healthcare provider name(s) and contact information
    • Handouts and resources
    • Important telephone numbers and addresses
    • Copies of assessment reports, diagnostic and imaging tests, lab reports, and medications

    Please note: There are several health management apps available to help track this information. If you decide to use one, be sure to review its data privacy policies.

  • Learn about Government Resources: There are a variety of government resources for which you may be eligible. Learn about the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs that provide assistance to people who meet the program requirements for a disability. You may also be eligible for support from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

  • Find a Healthcare Provider: We recommend finding a physician or neurologist that you’re comfortable with rather than one who has experience with GM1 disease. Look for a healthcare provider who makes you feel comfortable, answers your questions, listens to your concerns, and supports your wishes with respect to managing the disease. In addition to providing physical care, your healthcare provider will also partner with you on insurance coverage issues, as needed.

  • Get to Know Your Insurance Policy: Review the coverage offered by your insurance policy to better understand eligibility requirements, benefits, regulatory information and grievance procedures.

  • Ask for an Insurance Case Manager: Contact your insurance company and ask for a dedicated case manager, who will get to know your specific medical needs so you won’t have to explain the diagnosis each time. A dedicated case manager will help you get the best insurance coverage possible.

Symptom Management

While there is currently no cure for late onset GM1, it is possible to manage symptoms like swallowing difficulties and issues with mobility, communication, and mental health.

Living with Late Onset GM1 Disease

When planning your future, it’s important to consider the ways late onset GM1 may affect your employment and housing, and learn about the technological resources that can help with accessibility.

How to Help

If a friend or family member has been diagnosed with late onset GM1 disease, you may not know how to help. The best thing you can do is be there for them. Here are five ways to get you started:

  1. Offer concrete help like picking up groceries, cooking meals, doing laundry, housecleaning, or running errands.
  2. Learn about late onset GM1 disease to learn about some of the symptoms they may be experiencing.
  3. Provide companionship by dropping in with coffee and a treat or inviting them out for a walk. If you’re out of town, try to visit in a way that won’t disrupt their daily routine.
  4. Listen with empathy and understanding knowing they will experience a wide range of emotions.
  5. Be a resource but don’t give advice.

We’re Always Here to Help

Getting a late onset GM1 gangliosidosis diagnosis can be overwhelming. It’s hard to know what to do first. Our Family Services Team is here to help. They’ll answer your questions, share information and invite you to connect with our caring and helpful Community.

We Care for Rare

Facu y Giuli
Juvenile Tay-Sachs Disease

“Facu (12) y Giuli (16) ellos aman viajar y divertirse en familia”

Alejandra Saipert, Madre