Batten disease is a fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system that begins in childhood. In some cases, the early signs are subtle, taking the form of personality and behavior changes, slow learning, clumsiness, or stumbling. Symptoms of Batten disease are linked to a buildup of substances called lipopigments in the body's tissues. Lipopigments are made up of fats and proteins. Because vision loss is often an early sign, Batten disease may be first suspected during an eye exam. Often, an eye specialist or other physician may refer the child to a neurologist. Diagnostic tests for Batten disease include blood or urine tests, skin or tissue sampling, an electroencephalogram (EEG), electrical studies of the eyes, and brain scans. As yet, no specific treatment is known that can halt or reverse the symptoms of Batten disease. However, seizures can sometimes be reduced or controlled with anticonvulsant drugs, and other medical problems can be treated appropriately as they arise. Physical therapy and occupational therapy may help patients retain functioning as long as possible. Over time, affected children suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills. Eventually, children with Batten disease become blind, bedridden, and demented. Batten disease is often fatal by the late teens or twenties. The biochemical defects that underlie several NCLs have recently been discovered. An enzyme called palmitoyl-protein thioesterase has been shown to be insufficiently active in the infantile form of Batten disease (this condition is now referred to as CLN1). In the late infantile form (CLN2), a deficiency of an acid protease, an enzyme that hydrolyzes proteins, has been found as the cause of this condition. A mutated gene has been identified in juvenile Batten disease (CLN3), but the protein for which this gene codes has not been identified. In addition, research scientists are working with NCL animal models to improve understanding and treatment of these disorders. One research team, for example, is testing the usefulness of bone marrow transplantation in a sheep model, while other investigators are working to develop mouse models. Mouse models will make it easier for scientists to study the genetics of these diseases. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=neuronal+ceroid-lipofuscinosis[majr]+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=5+Years 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/batten/pubs_batten.htm /disorders/batten/xml_batten.xml xml_batten.xml Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis V38 Batten Disease Support and Research Association

166 Humphries Drive

Reynoldsburg OH 43068 bdsra1@bdsra.org http://www.bdsra.org 800-448-4570 740-205-6432 866-648-8718 International support and research networking organization for families of children and young adults with Batten Disease. Sponsors education, advocacy, and support programs. Funds research, and sponsors a tissue donation program. V36 Children's Brain Disease Foundation [A Batten Disease Resource]

Parnassus Heights Medical Building, Suite 900

Suite 900 San Francisco CA 94117 jrider6022@aol.com 415-665-3003 415-665-3003 National not-for-profit organization that raises funds for medical research into the causes and treatments of Batten disease, also known as Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. V624 Nathan's Battle Foundation [For Batten Disease Research]

459 State Road 135 South

Greenwood IN 46142 pmilto@indy.net http://www.nathansbattle.com 317-888-7396 317-888-0504 Foundation established to aid in the development of therapies for Late Infantile Batten Disease. V862 Hide and Seek Foundation for Lysosomal Storage Disease Research

6475 East Pacific Coast Highway

Suite 466 Long Beach CA 90803 info@hideandseek.org http://www.hideandseek.org 877-621-1122 818-762-2502 Nonprofit that raises awareness and supports research to find treatments and cures for lysosomal disorders.