Conference For Families Affected By Rare Neurological Condition Held In Mpls.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- NBIA is a group of rare, genetic neurological disorders characterized by an abnormal accumulation of iron inside the brain, which causes debilitating health conditions. Right now, there's no cure.

The NBIA Association's family conference is being held in Minneapolis this weekend. The Association works to learn about new research and treatments that could be helpful in dealing with this disease. It also works to raise awareness and provide support to families.

"A lot of families get diagnosed and there's no one else around," said Patricia Wood, President and Founder of the NBIA Disorders Association. "That's why it's so important for our conferences -- that they can get together with other people going through the same thing."

In conjunction with the conference this weekend, the association offers clinic appointments. It allows the families to meet with the leading experts on NBIA disorders and get personal treatment advice.