Movies of the Mind - Lorenzo's Oil - The Quest for a Cure Putting Parents Under Pressure - 10/10/26

Oct, 10 2026

Sometimes a physical condition can have a weighty effect on the parents resulting in poor mental health on the caregivers of, in this case a son who has a serious condition called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) –  a disease linked to the X chromosome. It is a result of fatty acid build-up caused by failure of peroxisomal fatty acid beta oxidation which results in the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids in tissues throughout the body.

The 1992 drama film directed and co –written by George Miller ‘Lorenzo’s Oil’ –is an emotional watch as the true story recalls the events of Augusto and Michaela Odone who search for a cure for their son living with the aforementioned disease.

Please watch the following trailer –

Not content with the prognosis that he will live for just a mere two years, his parents challenge the medical professionals looking for answers and in the process they too break down and find the emotional burden of their son too much leaving the thought that their own mental health is under the microscope.

ALD works by destroying myelin, the protective insulation around nerve fibers in the brain. The underlying problem is a faulty protein that normally transports certain fats into a cellular compartment called the peroxisome, where those fats get broken down. Without that transporter working properly, very long chain fatty acids build up in the body’s tissues and blood. These accumulating fats trigger inflammation that strips myelin from the brain’s nerve cells, progressively shutting down neurological function.

The following video will explain how Lorenzo’s oil contributed to the treatment of the deadly disease –

Today is World Mental Health Day and although this film is a physical condition, the deterioration of their son damaged the relationship of their parents, putting an emotional strain on them as they desperately went looking for answers for their poorly son. Therefore, it is apparent that the parents would have experienced potential depression in response to their ill son as they grapple with the reality of the situation.

If you know of someone who is living with ALD and require support either for the patient or the caregivers then the following website link will help you –

https://adrenoleukodystrophysupport.org/

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system and adrenal glands. Over the 30 + years since the film was released the title is a now a registered dietary supplement that may help lower VLCFA levels, although its effectiveness in preventing disease progression is still debated.

There are support groups and counselling as families are able to connect with ALD advocacy organizations and mental health professionals to provide emotional and psychological support.

True stories like ‘Lorenzo’s Oil’ are relatable. Why? Because they give an accurate account of the timeframe of when this poorly boy became sick and how his parents never gave up risking their own lives in the process. If you’ve ever been a parent of a poorly child you will know the sacrifices you need to make, the devotion, commitment and the strength you never thought you had. This film reminds us that even in our darkest hour love conquers all.

^Alex Ashworth Director of Creativity