Leukodystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive damage to the white matter of the brain. The severity of the disorder and the age of onset can vary greatly, depending on the type of leukodystrophy. Generally, the life expectancy of someone with leukodystrophy is very unpredictable.
Types of Leukodystrophy
The most common types of leukodystrophy are:
• Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD): A rare, X-linked disorder that involves the breakdown of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells. It can affect both males and females, but is typically more severe in males. Symptoms usually begin to appear in childhood and can include cognitive impairment, seizures, and progressive neurological decline. Life expectancy is typically between 5 and 20 years.
• Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD): A rare, genetic disorder caused by the deficiency of an enzyme called arylsulfatase A. Symptoms usually begin to appear in childhood and can include cognitive impairment, seizures, and progressive neurological decline. Life expectancy is typically between 5 and 20 years.
• Krabbe disease (KD): A rare, genetic disorder caused by the deficiency of an enzyme called galactocerebrosidase. Symptoms usually begin to appear in early infancy and can include developmental delays, motor and speech delays, and progressive neurological decline. Life expectancy is typically between 1 and 10 years.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of someone with leukodystrophy depends on the type of leukodystrophy, the severity of the disorder, and the age of onset. Generally, life expectancy is shorter for those with more severe forms of the disorder and those who develop symptoms at an earlier age. For those with milder forms of the disorder, life expectancy may be somewhat longer. It is important to note that life expectancy is not an exact science and is highly unpredictable.