Duchenne Muscular DystrophyIrene CofieJade Jackson11/16/11

Guillaume Benjamin Amand Duchenne was a French Neurologist, who was the first to describe DMD, during the 1860s.

History of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

A Sex Linked Disorder

The defect that causes Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy occurs on the X chromosome.

Because females are carriers of the disorder, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy occurs more often in men than in women.

Symptoms

Fatigue Mental retardation (possible, but does

not worsen over time) Muscle weakness

Begins in the legs and pelvis, but also occurs less severely in the arms, neck, and other areas of the body

Difficulty with motor skills (running, hopping, jumping)

Frequent falls Rapidly worsening weakness

Symptoms Continued

Progressive difficulty walking Ability to walk may

be lost by age 12 By age 10, the

person may need braces for walking. By age 12, most patients are confined to a wheelchair.

The Genetics

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by the absence of a key muscle protein called dystrophin. The gene for this protein is on the X

chromosome. The sons of females who are carriers of

the disease (women with a defective gene but no symptoms themselves) each have a 50% chance of having the disease. The daughters each have a 50% chance of being carriers.  

There is no cure for DMD. However, people with Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy can maintain a healthy body attempting to increase flexible, uprightness and mobility.

Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy can cause spinatural curvatures, which are treated with spine-straightening surgery or with a brace.

Medical supplements such as calcium, vitamin D and corticosteriod pills, are often given to help those who have Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy to cope with the disorder.

Treatments

Those with Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy that are restricted to a wheelchair are advised to eat foods high in fiber and whole grain.

Ducehnne Muscle Dystorphy might also weaken the respiratory system of those with the disorder. As a result, many often have to rely on noninvasive ventilation devices to improve breathing.

More Treatments

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has created marathons, advocacy groups and support groups to help aid those with Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy and their families as well.

Families often deal with Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy by remaining patient and supportive. Attempts are made by families to practice normal daily activities with the individual of the family who has the disorder.

Families Dealing with DMD

Alfredo Ferrari, a man who inspired the creation of the Enzo Ferrari automobile had DMD. Famous comedian, Jerry Lewis has made has made it a major focus of his life to publicize muscular dystrophies and to help fund

research towards a cure, acting in concert with the MDA.

Famous People with DMD

Works Cited

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001724/ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/

000705.htm http://www.mda.org/publications/fa-dmdbmd-what.html http://www.google.com/imgres?

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