Glimmer of hope for patients with leukodystrophies
Wednesday, July 8, 2015 - 14:00
in Health & Medicine
Leukodystrophies are deadly neurodegenerative diseases that affect one in 7,000 children and remain incurable. These genetic diseases attack myelin or the 'insulating rubber sheath' surrounding neurons, which leads to deteriorating health for affected children. Today, nearly 20 types of leukodystrophies have been characterized, but many other forms remain undefined, leaving nearly 40 percent of families awaiting a diagnosis. Montreal researchers discovered a new crucial gene associated with these orphan diseases.