It is an inherited disorder, in which both parents must be carriers of the pathological gene. The problem lies in an alteration of copper metabolism that results in abnormal deposits in some body tissues and the central nervous system. The accumulation that can be seen in the brain, liver, eyes or kidneys causes damage and failure of these organs to function properly.

It can present with numerous symptoms: difficulty and stiffness in limb movement, ataxia, dementia, confusion or delirium, behavioral or personality changes, phobias, anxieties, slow movements, language impairment, tremor of the limbs, and yellow skin.