Indicators Of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

Dementia

Cognitive decline and memory loss are common in the final stages of all forms of metachromatic leukodystrophy, and dementia is particularly pronounced in patients with the adult form of the condition. For these patients, dementia may be accompanied by psychotic episodes, and they may also have personality changes and display poor judgment. Many patients experience a sense of bewilderment, and anxiety and depression frequently develop. Patients gradually become less alert, and adult patients exhibit declining performance in jobs and schoolwork. Adults with metachromatic leukodystrophy are sometimes misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia or depression, and they may use alcohol or drugs to mask their symptoms. Eventually, the cognitive decline and dementia associated with metachromatic leukodystrophy will result in the patient losing continence and becoming bedridden. Patients often forget how to eat and lose control over other motor skills too.