Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more

Alexander Disease

What is Alexander Disease?

Alexander disease is a rare disorder affecting the nervous system. It is a condition characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath and what is called Rosenthal fibers. The myelin sheath is a fatty layer around nerve cells that enhances the transmission of nervous messages within nerve cells and gives the white-looking appearance of the white matter. If the myelin sheath is damaged, the nervous system becomes impaired. Rosenthal fibers are abnormal protein deposits that form in astroglial cells, specialized cells that are responsible for maintaining the environment of the nervous system. 

 

Depending on the onset of Alexander disease, it can be classified as infantile (0-2 years old), juvenile (2-12 years old), and adult (>12 years old) forms. The symptoms vary depending on the onset of the disease. Almost all cases are caused by an abnormality in the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) gene.

 

 

Synonyms

  • Alexander’s leukodystrophy
  • Demyelinogenic Leukodystrophy
  • Dysmyelinogenic Leukodystrophy
  • Fibrinoid Degeneration of Astrocytes
  • Leukodystrophy With Rosenthal Fibers
  • Megalencephaly in Infancy Accompanied by Progressive Spasticity and Dementia
  • Alexander Disease

Alexander disease is a rare disorder affecting the nervous system. It is a condition characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath and what is called Rosenthal fibers. The myelin sheath is a fatty layer around nerve cells that enhances the transmission of nervous messages within nerve cells and gives the white-looking appearance of the white matter. If the myelin sheath is damaged, the nervous system becomes impaired. Rosenthal fibers are abnormal protein deposits that form in astroglial cells, specialized cells that are responsible for maintaining the environment of the nervous system. 

 

Depending on the onset of Alexander disease, it can be classified as infantile (0-2 years old), juvenile (2-12 years old), and adult (>12 years old) forms. The symptoms vary depending on the onset of the disease. Almost all cases are caused by an abnormality in the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) gene.

 

Acknowledgement of Alexander Disease has not been added yet.

The prevalence of Alexander disease is estimated to be about one in one million births. About five hundred cases have been reported since the disease was first characterized. Initially, it was mostly diagnosed in infants but with advances in diagnostic techniques, it is also being observed in juveniles and adults. Individuals from all ethnic groups and sexes appear to be affected equally. Alexander disease was initially believed to be due to de novo (not inherited) genetic changes, however, more cases of inherited Alexander disease are now being observed. 

 

Name Abbreviation
Alexander’s leukodystrophy Alexander Disease
Demyelinogenic Leukodystrophy Alexander Disease
Dysmyelinogenic Leukodystrophy Alexander Disease
Fibrinoid Degeneration of Astrocytes Alexander Disease
Leukodystrophy With Rosenthal Fibers Alexander Disease
Megalencephaly in Infancy Accompanied by Progressive Spasticity and Dementia Alexander Disease
Alexander Disease ALX

Alexander disease is caused by changes in the GFAP gene in the majority of cases. GFAP encodes a protein called glial fibrillary acidic protein. This protein is found in healthy brains, almost exclusively in cells called astrocytes. GFAP is a type of intermediate filament which are proteins involved in providing structural support and strength to cells. The exact mechanism by which GFAP mutations cause Alexander disease is unknown. It is believed that such mutations lead to the production of abnormal proteins which hinders the formation of intermediate filaments. As a result, glial fibrillary acidic protein accumulates in astrocytes which has toxic effects beyond a threshold. Rosenthal fibers are altered astrocytes with GFAP deposits found through the brain and the spinal cord. It is not yet known how this mechanism leads to the destruction of the myelin sheath, and therefore, damages the white matter.

 

In most cases, the mutation in GFAP is not inherited and occurs at a stage of development after conception. However, in some cases, the condition may be inherited from parents and run in the family. When inherited, Alexander disease is an autosomal dominant condition meaning that inheriting one defective gene from one of the parents is adequate to cause the disease. Rarely, Alexander disease occurs in individuals with a functional GFAP gene which indicates this disease is caused by factors that are yet unknown. 

 

Depending on the age of onset, the extent and the location of the brain and spinal cord damage differ. Therefore, symptoms of Alexander disease vary depending on the form of the condition.

 

Neonatal form

The onset of symptoms in the neonatal form is from birth to thirty days of age. This form of Alexander disease causes rapid developmental regression or the loss of acquired function. Developmental regression is difficult to identify at such a young age but may present as a loss of sucking. Other symptoms include frequent seizures, hydrocephalus, or the abnormal buildup of a protective fluid called cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The neonatal form of Alexander disease leads to severe motor and intellectual disability and even death within two years.

 

Infantile form

The onset of symptoms in the infantile form of Alexander disease is from thirty days to two years of age. This form is associated with delays and regression in physical, mental, and behavioral development. Other symptoms include seizures, progressive enlargement of the head, hydrocephalus or the abnormal buildup of a protective fluid called cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, uncoordinated movement (ataxia), muscle stiffness that makes mobility difficult (spasticity), difficulty swallowing, breathing, coughing, and speaking, and excessive vomiting. 

 

Juvenile form

The onset of symptoms of juvenile Alexander disease is between the ages of two and twelve. Symptoms include gradual intellectual regression, excessive vomiting, difficulty swallowing, breathing, and speaking, uncoordinated movement (ataxia), muscle stiffness or spasticity, particularly in lower limbs, seizures, and the gradual enlargement of the head.

 

Adult form

The adult form of Alexander disease is the mildest and the rarest form of this condition. The onset of symptoms can be any time from early teens to late in life. Some individuals with disease-causing changes in GFAP gene may even remain asymptomatic. Individuals affected by this form rarely show developmental delay or regression. Although in some cases, intellectual decline may happen over time, mimicking Parkinson's disease. Other symptoms are uncoordinated movement (ataxia), muscle stiffness (spasticity), and a rhythmic, jerky movement of the soft palate or the muscular part at the back of the roof of the mouth. Affected individuals may also experience difficulty swallowing and speaking, and short episodes of repetitive, uncontrolled movement of the eyes (nystagmus).

Because the symptoms of Alexander disease can be non-specific and similar to many other conditions, the diagnosis of Alexander disease may rest on the exclusion of other possible diseases for which there are definitive tests. The diagnosis of Alexander disease may be suspected when associated symptoms are observed. There are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) criteria that can help diagnose Alexander disease. A diagnosis of Alexander disease is confirmed if abnormal changes in the GFAP gene are identified. However, a functional GFAP does not completely rule out Alexander disease since a small percentage of individuals with Alexander disease do not show any abnormalities in this gene. In such cases, taking a small brain sample might be required to identify Rosenthal fibers. Notably, Rosenthal fibers are not specific to Alexander disease. Therefore, the diagnosis of this condition in individuals without a confirmed genetic cause depends on the presence of the associated clinical and neuroimaging findings, the presence of Rosenthal fibers, as well as the exclusion of other possible conditions.

The first test performed for the diagnosis of Alexander disease is often an MRI. An MRI is an imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize internal organs of the body including the brain. Healthcare professionals may use an MRI to identify damage to the white matter or other structures of the brain which can be suggestive of Alexander disease. An MRI might be less useful in diagnosing late-onset Alexander disease as brain damage may not be as extensive or easily noticeable in an MRI. 

Genetic testing can be performed to detect abnormalities in the GFAP gene. A sample for genetic testing may be obtained from a blood sample or a swab from the inside of the cheek. Genetic tests that may be used include sequence analysis to look for small changes in the individual building blocks of the gene or larger deletions or duplications of parts of the GFAP gene. In some cases, a multigene panel may be used to analyze GFAP and other genes of interest that may be associated with conditions other than Alexander disease that present with similar symptoms.

While the presence of GFAP gene abnormalities can confirm the diagnosis of Alexander disease, the absence of such abnormalities does not exclude Alexander disease because a number of individuals have a functional GFAP gene. In such cases, a brain biopsy may be necessary. A brain biopsy can be done as an open procedure by making an incision in the skull to remove a small sample from the surface of the brain. It can also be done using a needle to access areas that are deeper inside the brain. Once the sample is obtained, it is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of Rosenthal fibers. 

 

There are currently no specific treatments available for Alexander disease. Management is symptomatic and supportive, depending on the needs of the affected individual. Management may include physical and occupational therapy, medication to control seizures, and speech therapy. Secondary complications can also be prevented or delayed by early recognition of certain symptoms. For example, early recognition and management of spinal problems such as an abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis) can prevent and delay long-term complications.

There are other therapeutic approaches under investigation to reduce the production or deposition of GFAP or to reduce the effects of the accumulation of toxic amounts of GFAP. However, nothing has been approved yet.

 

The prognosis of Alexander disease depends on the form of the condition. Individuals affected by the neonatal form often experience the poorest outlook with severe disability and death within the first two years of life. Children affected by the infantile form usually do not survive beyond early teens. Individuals with the juvenile form may survive to their 20s-30s. The adult form is the mildest form with a slower progression and variable prognosis. Individuals with this form of Alexander disease may survive up to decades after the onset of symptoms and some may experience very mild to no symptoms at all.

Tips or Suggestions of Alexander Disease has not been added yet.

Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center. Alexander Disease. 2015. Available from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5774/alexander-disease#:~:text=Alexander%20disease%20is%20a%20type,years%20(the%20infantile%20form).

 

Messing A, Brenner M, Feany MB, Nedergaard M, Goldman JE. Alexander disease. Journal of Neuroscience. 2012;32(15):5017-23. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5384-11.2012. 

 

Messing A, LaPash Daniels CM, Hagemann TL. Strategies for treatment in Alexander disease. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics. 2010;7(4):507–515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurt.2010.05.013

 

Sawaishi Y. Review of Alexander disease: beyond the classical concept of leukodystrophy. Brain & Development. 2009;31(7):493-498. doi:10.1016/j.braindev.2009.03.006

 

Srivastava S, Naidu S. Alexander Disease. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2020. 2002. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1172/

 

Community Details Update Created by RareshareTeam
Last updated 2 Jan 2021, 11:50 PM

Posted by Stacey6
2 Jan 2021, 11:50 PM

 

Please everybody is advisable to get $500 google play gift card for more tutorials and solutions to each and everybody’s sickness .............text my mail Dr.stacey Andy on her email or mobile numbe

 

staceyandy6@gmail.com

Posted by RareshareTeam
8 Sep 2020, 03:18 PM

Hi everyone,

The Alexander Disease community details have been updated. We added more information about the cause, prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Hopefully, you find it helpful. 

Adult-onset Alexander disease Created by Yorkie214
Last updated 21 Mar 2016, 11:50 PM

Posted by Yorkie214
21 Mar 2016, 11:50 PM

My 60 yr old brother has just been diagnosed by genetic testing in December 2015. Symptoms started about 4 yrs ago. Noticed he was walking funny at that time. In 2013, he had a seizure which resulted in traumatic brain injury. Now walks with a walker around the house. Uses wheelchair for long distances. Now also having swallowing/choking episodes. Please advise me of any info. you have available. Thank you

Community External News Link
Title Date Link
Alexander disease: Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis 12/23/2023
Community Resources
Title Description Date Link

Clinical Trials


Cords registry

CoRDS, or the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford, is based at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It provides researchers with a centralized, international patient registry for all rare diseases. This program allows patients and researchers to connect as easily as possible to help advance treatments and cures for rare diseases. The CoRDS team works with patient advocacy groups, individuals and researchers to help in the advancement of research in over 7,000 rare diseases. The registry is free for patients to enroll and researchers to access.

Enrolling is easy.

  1. Complete the screening form.
  2. Review the informed consent.
  3. Answer the permission and data sharing questions.

After these steps, the enrollment process is complete. All other questions are voluntary. However, these questions are important to patients and their families to create awareness as well as to researchers to study rare diseases. This is why we ask our participants to update their information annually or anytime changes to their information occur.

Researchers can contact CoRDS to determine if the registry contains participants with the rare disease they are researching. If the researcher determines there is a sufficient number of participants or data on the rare disease of interest within the registry, the researcher can apply for access. Upon approval from the CoRDS Scientific Advisory Board, CoRDS staff will reach out to participants on behalf of the researcher. It is then up to the participant to determine if they would like to join the study.

Visit sanfordresearch.org/CoRDS to enroll.

Community Leaders

 

Expert Questions

Ask a question

Community User List

My 10 month old Son has Alexander's Disease
Parents to our son Nathanael, 17 years of age who has Alexander disease since 9 years of age.

Start a Community


Don't See Your Condition On Rareshare?

Start your own! With a worldwide network of 8,000 users, you won't be the only member of your community for long.

FAQ


Have questions about rareshare?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Discussion Forum

Community Details Update

Created by RareshareTeam | Last updated 2 Jan 2021, 11:50 PM

Adult-onset Alexander disease

Created by Yorkie214 | Last updated 21 Mar 2016, 11:50 PM


Communities

Our Communities

Join Rareshare to meet other people that have been touched by rare diseases. Learn, engage, and grow with our communities.

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
Physicians

Our Resources

Our rare disease resources include e-books and podcasts

VIEW OUR EBOOKS

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS

VIEW OUR GUIDES

Leaders

Our Community Leaders

Community leaders are active users that have been touched by the rare disease that they are a part of. Not only are they there to help facilitate conversations and provide new information that is relevant for the group, but they are there for you and to let you know you have a support system on Rareshare.