Doctors are continuing to study this disease, and intensive research in gene therapy may eventually lead to a cure. Various drug therapies are also being investigated to provide temporary relief from muscle weakness. Risks Muscular dystrophy grows gradually more debilitating until the child is completely crippled. By age 11 or 12, most victims are confined to a wheelchair. The heart is usually affected, and respiratory problems are common.
Few patients reach adulthood.
Provide healthy, low fat meals. It is important to prevent the child from becoming overweight. Excess pounds will put an extra burden on the weakening muscular system. Any woman who has a history of muscular dystrophy in her family may want to get genetic counseling prior to conception to see if she carries the defective gene. HealthSquare is solely to be used as an informational resource and should never be used to replace contact with your licensed healthcare provider.