Leukodystrophies

What are leukodystrophies?<p>Leukodystrophies are a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the central nervous system (CNS).

The CNS is made up of your brain and spinal cord.

Leukodystrophies damage the white matter of your CNS.

The white matter includes:</p><ul><li>Nerve fibers, also called axons, which connect your nerve cells</li><li>Myelin, a layer of proteins and fatty materials that covers and protects the nerve fibers.

It also helps speed up signals between the nerve cells.</li></ul><p>When the white matter is damaged, it can slow down or block the signals between nerve cells.

This can cause many different symptoms, including trouble with movement, vision, hearing, and thinking.</p><p>There are over 50 types of leukodystrophies.

Some types are present at birth, while others may