Alexander DiseaseSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Alexander Disease
Alexander disease is a rare disorder of the nervous system. It is one of a group of disorders, called leukodystrophies, that involve the destruction of myelin. Myelin is the fatty covering that insulates nerve fibers and promotes the rapid transmission of nerve impulses. If myelin is not properly maintained, the transmission of nerve impulses could be disrupted. As myelin deteriorates in leukodystrophies such as Alexander disease, nervous system functions are impaired.
Mutations in the GFAP gene cause Alexander disease. The GFAP gene provides instructions for making a protein called glial fibrillary acidic protein. Several molecules of this protein bind together to form intermediate filaments, which provide support and strength to cells. Mutations in the GFAP gene lead to the production of a structurally altered glial fibrillary acidic protein. The altered protein is thought to impair the formation of normal intermediate filaments. As a result, the abnormal glial fibrillary acidic protein likely accumulates in astroglial cells, leading to the formation of Rosenthal fibers, which impair cell function. It is not well understood how impaired astroglial cells contribute to the abnormal formation or maintenance of myelin, leading to the signs and symptoms of Alexander disease.
The prevalence of Alexander disease is unknown. About 500 cases have been reported since the disorder was first described in 1949.
This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.
Vanderbilt Medical Group- Teleneurology
Amy Brown is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Brown is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alexander Disease. She is also highly rated in 35 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Hereditary Ataxia, and Mcleod Neuroacanthocytosis Syndrome. Dr. Brown is board certified in .
Corewell Health Advanced Primary Care - Alpine
Christopher Barnes is a primary care provider, practicing in Geriatrics in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has been practicing medicine for over 27 years. Dr. Barnes is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alexander Disease. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Farber Lipogranulomatosis, and CACH Syndrome. Dr. Barnes is board certified in American Board Of Family Medicine. Dr. Barnes is currently accepting new patients.
University Of Pittsburgh Physicians, Department Of Neurology
Mary A. O'Neal, MD, specializes in neurology and is board-certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. O'Neal completed her fellowship and residency at Boston University Medical Center and medical degree at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. O'neal is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alexander Disease. She is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Migraine with Brainstem Aura, Conversion Disorder, Migraine, and Headache. Dr. O'neal is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology. Dr. O'neal is currently accepting new patients.
Published Date: October 01, 2015
Published By: National Institutes of Health