Krabbe disease
Background
Krabbe disease is a rare genetic, degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies. The term leukodystrophy comes from the Greek words, 'leuko' meaning white, and referring to the 'white matter' of the nervous system. This is a fatty cover which acts as an insulator around nerve fibres of the brain. The word 'dystrophy' means imperfect growth or development. In Krabbe disease the growth of the white matter (otherwise known as myelin sheath) is affected.