Wilson’s Disease

Wilson’s disease is a rare inherited condition that causes copper levels to build up in several organs, especially the liver, brain and eyes. Most people with Wilson’s disease are diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 35. But younger and older people can be affected too.

Copper plays a key role in building healthy nerves, bones, collagen and the skin pigment melanin. You usually take in copper from the food you eat. Your liver produces a substance called bile that removes any extra copper.

But in people with Wilson’s disease, copper isn’t removed properly and instead builds up. Sometimes it can be life-threatening if it’s not treated. When diagnosed early, Wilson’s disease is treatable, and many people with the condition live normal lives.