About Muscular Dystrophy

What is Muscular Dystrophy?

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of genetic, hereditary diseases that weaken muscles in the human body. MD is characterised by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins and the death of muscle cells and tissue.

Most conditions are progressive, causing the muscles to gradually weaken over time, damaging mobility and usually leading to some form of disability.

Who does MD affect?

In the UK, some 70,000 babies, children and adults – both males and to a lesser degree females – are impacted by MD. Some types are inherited, while others occur without warning.

The prognosis for sufferers differs according to the type and progression of the disorder. Some cases may be mild and progress slowly over a normal lifespan. Others produce severe muscle weakness, functional disability, and loss of the ability to move parts of the body.

For those with the most severe form called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), spinal fusion operations may be required to enable better postural positioning.

Some children with Muscular Dystrophy die in infancy while others live into adulthood with only moderate disability. MD can affect adults, but the more severe forms tend to occur in early childhood.

Can it be cured?

There is no treatment to delay or reverse the condition available today. Despite advances made in neuromuscular research and the scientific agenda, there is no known cure for Muscular Dystrophy.