A common name is Kennedy Disease. It gained this name from Dr. W. R. Kennedy, a neuromuscular researcher who was among the first to identify the disease as separate from other neurological conditions. Kennedy Disease, also known as SBMA, is a progressive adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the loss of lower motor neurons. Affected males first observe reduced stamina, with difficulty walking distances and problems getting out of low seats. Initial signs are often mistaken for aging.
Mobility continues to decrease slowly.
In addition SBMA patients frequently exhibit bulbar muscle weakness and atrophy. The muscles of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, throat, vocal cords, trunk, and upper extremities may be affected. Fasciculations of the face, lips, and tongue are frequently observed. Other features that aid in diagnosis, but are not always present, are gynecomastia and infertility. Female carriers are clinically asymptomatic.