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❇What Is Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy?❇

This disease is a genetic defect that is a severe type of muscular dystrophy and usually apparent in males. DMD is caused by a lack of the protein dystrophin which keeps muscle cells together.

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✤What causes DMD?✤

In 1986, MDA-supported researchers identified a particular gene on the X chromosome that, when flawed (mutated), leads to DMD. DMD has an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern and is passed on by the mother, who is the carrier.

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▽What Are The Symptoms Of DMD?▽

Muscles weakness can begin as early as age 3. First affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders, and later the skeletal muscles in the arms, legs and trunk.

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◆Symptoms of DMD (Continued)◆

The disease could cause loss or shortening of muscles, weak muscles and abnormal walking. The victims of the disease may also undertake a learning disability, and or slow growth. Other common symptoms may include: hard time standing, walking on tiptoes, struggles with swallowing, large calves, fatigue, falls often or scoliosis.

Without With DMD

DMD

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↢DMD Myths↣

*Many people believe since a disease does not have a history in the family, it is not genetic. This is in fact untrue for the reason that one or both parents of the disease victim most likely will be carriers.

*Some people think that hereditary diseases skip generations. No disease skips a generation, thus there is no guarantee that the fourth generation will not receive a disease the third generation was diagnosed with.

*Although X-linked diseases such as DMD are more commonly apparent in males, females are still at risk of receiving an X-linked disease.

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⚶Are There Any Cures?⚶

DMD cannot be cured. Although there may be many treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and occupational therapy, these will not cure the disease. The medications can include: prednisone, deltasone, and corticosteroids. Physical medicine and rehabilitation can restore the function and the quality of the patient’s life. These options can improve the quality of the victim’s life.

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◇DMD Statistics◇

During 2007, an estimated 1 of every 5,600 to 7,700 males 5 through 24 years of age had DMD. DMD is generally found in boys and occurs in one in every 3,500 males. Around 20,000 worldwide are born with DMD.

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☽Specialists and What They Can Do☾

The first specialist that can be helpful is a medical geneticist who can diagnose the disorder. A primary care provider can help prevent and treat the disease. A pediatrician can also help with the infant, child or teenager who has the disease. An occupational therapist can help improve the work and daily living skills of the patient. You can also request a physical therapist to help with the functioning and strength of muscles. Another option is to request a neurologist to assist with nervous system disorders.

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