Patient education

Mitochondrial disease in adults

Mitochondrial disease can begin in adulthood or persist from childhood, sometimes with subtle or multisystem features.

Exercise intolerance, weakness, neuropathy, ataxia, hearing, or vision changes

Diabetes, cardiac, gastrointestinal, or other systemic features

Transition and coordination across adult specialties

Genetic assessment may clarify an unexplained multisystem pattern

Use this information safely

This guide cannot diagnose a condition, predict an individual course, or recommend treatment. Bring relevant questions to a qualified clinician and use emergency services for urgent concerns.

Sources

References and further reading

  1. MedlinePlus: Mitochondrial Diseases
  2. NINDS: Mitochondrial Disorders
  3. GeneReviews: Primary Mitochondrial Disorders Overview
  4. United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation

External sources are provided for context and do not imply endorsement of MDA.

Next steps

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Mitochondrial disease guide

Understand inheritance, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and research.

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Clinical trials

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All mitochondrial disease program

See the MDA program pathway and current planning status.

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