How long can you live with leukodystrophy?

The prognosis for MLD is poor. Most children within the infantile form die by age 5. Symptoms of the juvenile form progress with death occurring 10 to 20 years following onset. Those persons affected by the adult form typically die withing 6 to 14 years following onset of symptoms.

Why is leukodystrophy fatal?

Leukodystrophies lead to a progressive loss of neurological function. The brain and the body can’t receive signals from each other. These diseases are often fatal.

Are all leukodystrophy fatal?

Currently, over 40 different leukodystrophies have been described. These are, by definition, progressive diseases, meaning that the disease gets worse throughout a lifetime. Some of these diseases start in early infancy, progress rapidly, and are fatal, while others only affect adults or progress slowly over decades.

Is leukodystrophy curable?

There is no cure for most kinds of leukodystrophy. Treating it depends on the type, and doctors address the symptoms of the disease with medications and special kinds of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Some people may need additional help with learning or nutrition.

How is leukodystrophy treated?

Treatment for most types of leukodystrophy is symptomatic and supportive, and may include: medications. physical, occupational, and speech therapies. nutritional, educational, and recreational programs.

What does leukodystrophy do to the brain?

Leukodystrophies are characterized by this abnormal growth of white matter in the brain. Specifically, these diseases damage the brain’s myelin sheath, which acts as an insulator around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

What age does leukodystrophy occur?

The forms are based on when the symptoms begin: Late infantile MLD symptoms usually begin by ages 1 to 2. Juvenile MLD symptoms usually begin between ages 4 and 12. Adult (and late-stage juvenile MLD) symptoms may occur between age 14 and adulthood (over age 16), but may begin as late as the 40s or 50s.