" muscular dystrophy "

 [ "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy" ]

1: A Devastating X-linked illness (mostly affects boys) caused by a mutation in the DMD gene which produces a protein called Dystrophin which maintains a strong and healthy muscle and prevents muscle injuries. Due to those with Duchenne not being able to produce Dystrophin, their muscles weaken overtime and their heart muscle with become so weak that their heart will just give out. Symptoms become apparent when the child is a baby as they will exhibit signs of delayed motor skills such as crawling later than other boys or walking later than other boys. When they do begin to walk, their gait will be abnormal and will tip-toe rather than put their heels to the ground when walking. As they get older, they will need a wheelchair because their legs will become so weak that they can no longer walk, this normally happens at the age of 1 Due to improvements in treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in recent years, more people are living beyond 20 which was a rare occurrence 20 years ago, now the average age of death is 2

  * e.g.,  ... It is so Devastating to see a loved one fade away as a result of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy