Get support Donate

Helping to cope, helping to hope

For everyone affected by leukodystrophy

We are Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC)

Established in 2004, Alex TLC provides invaluable support and information to people affected by leukodystrophy.

Formerly ALD Life, for people affected by adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), we extended our services to support all leukodystrophies in 2019 and became Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity.

There are more than 100 different known types of leukodystrophy, including some so rare they only affect one or two individuals. We are the only charity in the UK that provides support and information to people affected by any of the leukodystrophy conditions worldwide.

About Us

What is leukodystrophy?

Leukodystrophies are genetic disorders primarily affecting the white matter of the central nervous system (ie. the brain or spinal cord). The majority of leukodystrophies are degenerative, causing symptoms such as impaired mobility, vision, speech and hearing, incontinence, inability to swallow and loss of cognitive skills. In some cases, they may be life limiting. These conditions affect males and females of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, most notably children.

Learn more about leukodystrophy

Making a difference to our community

We are proud of the information and support we provide to our community members.

Over a year period we provide:

  • one to one support to over 380 individuals and family members
  • over 200 counselling sessions to our community members
  • monthly online community meetings to over 75 community members

We hold an annual Community Weekend and our 2024 event was attended by over 180 community members and professionals.

Our website is an important resource for individuals affected by leukodystrophy and professionals. Over a year period we have over 49,900 visits to our website, with our condition pages being the most popular pages receiving over 17,500 visits.

Newly diagnosed

Have you or a family member been diagnosed with a leukodystrophy?

We understand the information you have received may be new and confusing, and it may be difficult to know where to go for further advice and information.

Support for newly diagnosed

Information and support

NHS England Inherited White Matter Disorders (Leukodystrophy) Patient Service and Registry

The new NHS England IWMD Diagnostic and Management Service is for all ages. It strives to implement national standards of care for patients with an IWMD (leukodystrophy) and improve the NHS’s understanding of care for these conditions.

We are the patient organisation representative for the service and registry. We are working alongside NHS professionals, including consultants and nurses, to support the development of these services. We attend clinics to provide information and support to individuals and family members.

Further information

Get Involved

You can help us to raise vital funds and increase awareness of leukodystrophies.

The majority of people aren’t aware of these rare diseases and their impact on individuals and their families. With your help, however small, we can make a real difference.

These pages are packed full of ideas and inspiration for the various ways you and/or your organisation can get involved and lend your support.

Discover how you can get involved today.

Get Involved

Ways you can support us

Latest News

We are constantly updating our news section with everything of interest to people affected by leukodystrophies.

You’ll find information about our latest work, health and research news, updates for professionals, and more.

14th July 2025

Screen4Care project

Screen4Care has launched a recruitment for newborn screening in Ferrara, Italy and in Dijon, France – the conditions include ALD and MLD.

11th July 2025

Newborn screening policy report

Genetic Alliance UK have released a new policy report ‘Time to Decide: Learning from international approaches to newborn screening decision-making’.

03rd July 2025

Share your story for Light Up Blue

Personal stories of leukodystrophy are the best way to raise awareness of these life altering conditions. If you live close to a Light Up Blue location, and would like to share your story to help spread the word about leukodystrophy and Alex TLC, please contact your local newspaper.

03rd July 2025

Ask Our Community for July

Our Ask our Community for July is struggling with redness caused by the heat. We have parents who are asking for advice about their 10 year old son.

03rd July 2025

Online community meeting

Our next online community meeting will be taking place on Monday 21st July 11:30-13:00 (BST). The meeting is open to anyone affected by leukodystrophy.