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Copper is said to be an essential trace mineral that is found in all body tissues and is also a part of the production of red blood cells
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Copper is mostly present in the liver, brain, the skeletal muscles and even the heart. Excess or any reduction in the levels of copper can cause problems
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Wilson’s disease is caused due to increased levels of copper in the body as a result of an inborn error of metabolism
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The excess copper can get deposited in the liver, brain, eyes (in the cornea), kidneys and the skeleton as well
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Marriage between blood relatives is a risk factor for Wilson’s disease, as this disease can be passed on from the parents
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The clinical features appear during five to thirty years of age, and children mostly have liver issues on presentation
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Young adults usually have neurological problems when they present to the doctor with Wilson’s disease
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The person may find it difficult to speak, may experience involuntary movements and resting tremors
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Difficulty in walking and losing balance, and eventually dementia are often seen in Wilson’s disease along with phobias and depression
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A characteristic sign is the Kaiser-Fleischer ring, occuring due to the deposition of excess copper in the cornea. Chelating agents are given for the treatment