Leukodystrophy Research Paper

Words: 1535
Pages: 7

Just like every individual is different, every diagnosis is unique in their own way. From Zellweger Spectrum which is present at birth to Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis which comes unexpectedly, Leukodystrophy is one of those disorders that can vary dramatically. Now to understand Leukodystrophy, the knowledge of the nervous system needs to be gained. The nervous system is composed of two components: the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. These two systems are accountable for nearly everything a human being does, which includes both the involuntary functions and also the voluntary functions of the body. The reason why the understanding of the nervous system needs to be gained is because Leukodystrophy is considered a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system by disrupting the growth of the myelin sheath or in more simple terms it is a disease that affects the white matter called myelin in the brain. (Foundation) That so called white matter or myelin is the reason behind why there are so many different types of Leukodystrophies. Myelin is the protective fatty coating that protects and insulates the axons. Myelin keeps everything in place …show more content…
Symptoms can vary not only in what problems are developing, but also by what time in their life these symptoms start to be noticed. While symptoms of some types of Leukodystrophy begins shortly after birth, others can develop later on in childhood or even in adulthood. Leukodystrophy is not only considered a genetic disease, but also a progressive disease, which means the disease tends to get worse over time. So if developed at such a young age over time, Leukodystrophy can cause problems with all your abilities such as movement, vision, hearing, balance, ability to eat, memory, behavior, and thought.