Leukodystrophy
Description: A brain with Leukodystrophy
Image copyright: https://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/338/16/1119?ck=nck
Leukodystrophyies are a group genetic disorders that deteriorates the white matter in the brain, peripheral nerves, and spinal column. Leukodystrophyies most commonly affect males,but can affect females vary rarely.
Problems With the Disorder
The Signs of leukodystrophy
The most common signs seen in most leukodystrophies include gradual changes in an infant or child who previously appeared healthy. These changes may appear in “body tone, movements, gait, speech, the ability to eat, hearing, vision, behavior, and memory.”(health line 2002)
Symptoms of Leukodysrophy
Meta-cromatic: the most common type “occurring between the ages of six months and two years” symptoms include irritability, decreased muscle tone, muscle wasting, and difficulty learning to walk and talk. “Onset symptoms in older children and adults include deterioration of intellectual performance, and behavioral or psychiatric problems. Blindness, seizures, and paralysis occur as the disease progresses.”(health line 2002)
Alexander's disease: usually begins in infancy and affects mostly males. “Initial signs are physical and mental retardation and as the disease progresses, enlargement of the brain and head, spasticity, and seizures. In children and adults, symptoms are the same but occur less frequently and progress more slowly.” (health line 2002)
CACH: Usually diagnosed in infants, the beginning symptoms include motor and speech impediments. As it furthers the person may have trouble swallowing.
Genetics of the disorder
Leukodystrophy can be inherited with recessive and non-recessive genes also it is inherited with and X-Chromosome problem.
Treatment
There is no treatment for any of the leukodystrophyies.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent leukodystrophyies.
