Forsyth Raises Awareness on Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial disease is the body’s inability to turn food into the energy to sustain life and can cause a wide range of health issues including seizures, low blood counts, blindness, deafness, dementia, heart failure and progressive muscle weakness. The disease can cause symptoms at any age and compromise affected individuals’ lives significantly.

“While no cure exists, early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce symptoms and delay or prevent the progression of the disease,” said District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills. “Through public awareness, Forsyth County seeks to minimize the devastating effects of the illness among all Forsyth County citizens.” 

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week during their Sept. 5 meeting.