Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, primarily affecting boys. It results from a mutation in the gene responsible for producing dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Without enough dystrophin, muscles become fragile and easily damaged over time. Symptoms typically begin in early childhood and include difficulty walking, frequent falls, and muscle wasting. As the disease progresses, it can affect the heart and breathing muscles, leading to serious health issues. Currently, DMD has no cure, but treatments aim to slow progression and improve quality of life.