Definition
Leukodystrophy is a rare disease that results in the progressive decline of the myelin, or “white matter,” of the brain. Myelin works to insulate and protect axons, which transmit signals from the brain throughout the body.
Types of leukodystrophies include:
- Metachromatic leukodystrophy
- Krabbé disease
- Adrenoleukodystrophy
- Adrenomyelopathy
- Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease
- Canavan disease
- Childhood ataxia with central nervous system hypomyelination (CACH, also called vanishing white matter disease)
- Alexander disease
- Refsum disease
- Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis
Most leukodystrophies begin in infancy or childhood. However, there are several types that may not begin until adolescence or early adulthood.
Neuronal Axon With Myelin Sheath
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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