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Alexander Disease Reviewed 11-02-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Alexander Disease?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations What is Alexander Disease? Alexander disease is a rare, genetic, degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that affect growth of the myelin sheath — the fatty covering which acts as an insulator — on nerve fibers in the brain. Alexander disease, which affects mostly males, is usually nonfamilial and begins at about 6 months of age. Symptoms may include mental and physical retardation, dementia, enlargement of the brain and head, spasticity (stiffness of arms and/or legs), and seizures. In addition to the infantile form, juvenile and adult onset forms of the disorder have been reported. These forms occur less frequently and have a longer course of progression. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
United Leukodystrophy Foundation
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