An inherited metabolic storage disease characterized by the absence of the enzyme arylsulfatase A and increased storage of sulfatide. MLD has a wide range of symptoms.
Debility is progressive with blindness , seizures , and partial paralysis .
Death occurs usually before age 10. Both the juvenile and adult forms have later onset but similar symptoms. In the adult and juvenile forms, psychosis and emotional disturbances are an important part of the illness. The juvenile form is fatal within a few years of diagnosis. The adult form may be drawn out over many years.