WHEREAS, adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP) is a rare, progressive neurological disease most commonly caused by mutations in the CSF1R gene; and

WHEREAS, ALSP affects both men and women equally, with symptoms typically beginning between 30 and 50 years of age; and

WHEREAS, ALSP is characterized by a rapid progression of neurological symptoms, including impairments in speech, personality, behavior, and motor function, with life expectancy typically ranging from one to eight years following the onset of symptoms; and

WHEREAS, ALSP is frequently misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because its symptoms often overlap with those of more common neurological disorders, contributing to delays in accurate diagnosis and appropriate care; and

WHEREAS, current treatment options for ALSP remain extremely limited, with no therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), underscoring the critical need for continued research, increased awareness, and the development of effective treatments;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize August 3-7, 2026, as ALSP-CSF1R AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.