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Canavan disease is an inherited disorder that causes progressive damage to nerve cells in the brain. This disease is one of a group of genetic disorders called leukodystrophies. Leukodystrophies are characterized by degeneration of myelin, which is the phospholipid layer covering that insulates nerve fibers.

Epidemiology


Although Canavan disease may occur in any ethnic group, it affects persons of Eastern European Jewish ancestry more frequently. About 1/40 individuals of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish ancestry are carriers, about 1:10,000. Canavan disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance to have an affected child. Genetic counseling and genetic testing is recommended for families who may be carriers.

Cause


Canavan disease is caused by a defective ASPA gene, responsible for the production of the enzyme aspartoacylase. This enzyme breaks down the n-acetyl-asparate acid, which is a toxin. With decreased levels of aspartoacylase comes an increase in n-acetyl-aspartate, which interferes with 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, and allows for efficient transmission of nerve impulses.

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“Christian life consists of faith and charity”. Martin Luther. a little baby & other kids with Canavan needs u. #savelife http://ow.ly/MInF
savelife (Save Life) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:20:39 -0000
“Christian life consists of faith and charity”. Martin Luther. a little baby & other kids with Canavan needs u. #savelife http://ow.ly/MInF
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Canavan Disease - Information sheet compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Meta Description: [ Canavan Disease information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). ]

Canavan Foundation - Not-for-profit foundation providing information about Canavan disease, prenatal screening, support, and research.
Meta Description: [ The Canavan Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1992 by the parents and friends of children affected by the Canavan disease. ]

Canavan Research Fund - The Canavan Research Fund is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to pioneering research that can treat and eventually cure Canavan and other genetic brain diseases.
Meta Description: [ The Canavan Research Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to pioneering research that can treat and eventually cure Canavan and other genetic brain diseases. ]

Canavan Research Illinois - Information about this organization as well as about the disease, its research, fund raising and contact details.
Meta Description: [ Canavan Research Illinois, a nonprofit organization, was founded by parents dedicated to finding a cure and treatment for Canavan disease ]

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