What is the outlook for people with Canavan syndrome?

What is the outlook for people with Canavan syndrome?

The outlook for people with Canavan disease depends on the type of disease: infantile or juvenile. Children with infantile Canavan disease usually survive until about 10 years old. Some may survive into their teens or 20s. But in mild juvenile Canavan disease, life expectancy is usually normal.

Scientists have identified the gene that causes Canavan disease and are testing possible treatments. Strategies include:

• Gene therapy.
• Man-made ASPA that can be injected into the bloodstream.
• Stem cell therapy.