The disease progresses slowly, but eventually affects all voluntary muscles. Duchenne usually affects boys, and patients typically do not survive beyond their late 20s. There is no known cure for muscular dystrophy. Even so, the Rush clinic treats many of the medical complications that accompany muscular dystrophy. Because muscular dystrophy is transmitted genetically, Heydemann also works with families of children with the disease.
Patients come to the clinic for various reasons.
Sometimes, they come because their muscles aren't working properly and they're looking for a diagnosis. Or, if patients have already been diagnosed, the clinic provides care and specialized services for muscular dystrophy patients. Over the years, Heydemann has met many muscular dystrophy patients who have made an impression on him. Despite the profound handicap of not being able to move out of the chair, he was one of the information centers of the neighborhood. He knew everyone.