If treatment is started early and continued for life, there may be no long-term effects. Wilson disease is not contagious. It is an autosomal recessive disorder. That means the disease occurs in people who get the defective gene from both parents. Parents who have had a child with Wilson disease are at risk for having other affected children.
Treatment is started right after the diagnosis is made, even if there are no symptoms.
It continues for the rest of an affected person's life. If treatment is stopped, the symptoms return. Treatment includes avoiding foods rich in copper. Examples of such foods are dried beans, peas, whole wheat, chocolate, and organ meats. Medications are also needed.