Q. You are asked to consult on a 32 year-old woman with a long-standing history of headaches and seizures who presents with profound confusion and disorientation. She has been noted to have complained of worsening weakness over the past 10 years. Her past medical history is notable for diabetes mellitus and hearing loss. Her vital signs are normal. On general exam, you appreciate that she is of short stature. Serological testing demonstrates an elevated lactate to pyruvate ratio. Noncontrast head CT shows basal ganglia calcifications, and MRI findings of ischemic strokes that extend across arterial boundaries. Muscle biopsy demonstrates ragged red fibers, shown below. Which of the following is true regarding this patient's disorder.