The spectrum of adult-onset heritable white-matter disorders

Unique clinical presentations and magnetic resonance imaging patterns can help differentiate the various adult presentations of leukodystrophies and leukoencephalopathies. White-matter disorders are genetically based disorders affecting the central nervous system white matter, with or without peripheral nervous system involvement. These disorders predominantly affect patients in the pediatric population; however, a number of classic leukodystrophies can present in adulthood. Disease progression can be of variable onset with a broad range of symptoms, usually progressing from cognitive dysfunction. Recognition of specific disorders can have important implications for treatment, involvement of multidisciplinary services, and important conversations surrounding social issues the families may face. The focus of this chapter is to highlight the adult presentations of the classic childhood-onset leukodystrophies as well as to describe leukodystrophies which predominantly present in adulthood.