Canavan disease is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that affect growth of the myelin sheath of the nerve fibers in the brain. The myelin sheath is the fatty covering surrounding nerve cells that acts as an insulator. Paralysis, blindness, or hearing loss may also occur. Although Canavan disease may occur in any ethnic group, it affects persons of Eastern European Jewish ancestry more frequently. There is no cure for Canavan disease, nor is there a standard course of treatment.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
The prognosis for Canavan disease is poor. Death usually occurs before age 10. The goals of this research include finding ways to prevent, treat, and cure these disorders. The Neurological Disorders vol. This fact sheet is in the public domain.