Who is most likely to get Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which primarily affects boys, is the most prevalent muscular dystrophy among children. DMD has historically led in the loss of the ability to walk between the ages of 7 and 13 years, as well as mortality in the teen or twenties. However, recent advances in clinical care have increased life expectancy for people with DMD; thus, it is now expected that individuals will survive into their early 40s. Currently, there is no cure for DMD; however, new treatments are being developed continuously. In addition, supportive and adaptive technologies are available to help people with DMD maintain functional use of their muscles into adulthood. In general, an individual who inherits one copy of the DMD gene from either parent will not develop DMD. If a person receives two copies of the defective DMD gene, he or she will also develop DMD. People with DMD experience progressive muscle weakness and wasting. They may be able to sit up by themselves but cannot pull themselves out of their bed without assistance. Most patients are unable to walk even when using assistive devices such as crutches. The disease often leads to premature death due to respiratory complications. The severity of DMD symptoms varies from patient to patient. Individuals who are carriers of the DMD mutation but do not show signs of the disease may still be able to produce some functional dystrophin proteins.