A diagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease is confirmed by analyzing a sample of tissue.

At least five different forms of Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) have been identified.

Some adults with Niemann-Pick disease (Type E) may also show a loss of muscle coordination.

Ultimately, the nervous system becomes severely damaged and patients with Types C and D Niemann-Pick disease die.

Both Niemann-Pick disease types A and B occur in many ethnic groups; however, they occur more frequently among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent than in the general population.