Genetic Disease Commonly Misdiagnosed as Urological Disorder Leads to Unnecessary Surgery in 75% of Cases: Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease Research Foundation Advises Prostate Patients to Get Tested for APBD Before Surgery

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - December 10, 2008) - A recent study shows that Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease (APBD) is unrecognized by most urologists. Those who have it are undergoing unnecessary urological prostate surgeries in 75% of the cases. APBD can include symptoms often associated with enlarged prostate conditions (such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, BPH). But APBD can also rob victims of normal bodily functions and the ability to walk. The cause of this devastating condition is usually misdiagnosed. Initially thought to be a rare genetic disease, APBD may be more common and widespread than is known. APBD Research Foundation (www.apbdrf.org) has begun an awareness campaign to alert the public and the urological community, urging patients to get tested before undergoing prostate surgery if neurological symptoms associated with APBD are also present.