Batten Disease Causes & Risks

Causes

Batten disease is caused by abnormalities in genes that are involved with the production and use of certain body proteins. The disease results in a build-up of fats and proteins called lipopigments in the cells of the brain, eyes, skin, and other tissues.

Researchers have made progress in identifying the defective enzymes and mutated genes that underlie these disorders, but it is not yet known exactly how the gene mutations cause this build-up of lipopigments.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. Since Batten disease is an inherited condition, people at risk include:

• Children of parents with Batten disease
• Children of parents not afflicted with Batten disease, but who carry the abnormal genes that cause the disease