Adult SMA may begin between 40 and 60 years of age and progresses rapidly, with an average life expectancy of about 5 years. Most cases prove to be variants of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Symptoms include progressive limb weakness and atrophy of the muscles, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and respiratory problems. Treatment of all forms of SMA is symptomatic and supportive and includes treating pneumonia, scoliosis, and respiratory infections, if present. Also, physical therapy, orthotic supports, and rehabilitation are useful.
Genetic counseling is imperative.
The prognosis for individuals with SMA varies depending on the type of SMA and the degree of respiratory function. Some may appear to be stable for protracted periods, but improvement is not to be expected. The goals of this research are to characterize the genes and gene products, to study gene function and disease pathophysiology, and to find ways to prevent, treat, and, ultimately, cure these diseases. There has been great progress in the last decade and the rate of research progress is accelerating. This fact sheet is in the public domain.