Many diseases and disorders that affect the population have an early onset that begins when generations are young. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, DMD, is no different with a typical onset of symptoms between the ages three and five. DMD is characterized by muscle weakness that worsens rapidly. When a child, who has been diagnosed with DMD the condition can spread to the cardiovascular and respiratory muscles by the time they mature into teenagers. The beginning of the condition affects the shoulders, upper arm, hip and leg muscles.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is “an X-linked disease of muscle caused by an absence of the protein dystrophin” (Dr. Sussman). The disease affects young boys. If a boy …show more content…
Not all those who are diagnosed with DMD will have learning and cognitive disabilities. Boys with DMD have apparent gross motor disabilities but some may have a risk with delays in motor planning, speech development, and language development. Boys struggle with phonological processing. This can lead to the child have Dyslexia. Many specialists will recommend that the children go to speech and language therapy. Teachers and parents are encouraged to simplify directions and interactions with those who struggle with speech and language development. After directions are given, many professionals will have the students repeat the information back in their own words, proving that they understood the concrete and simplifies language of the orders for a …show more content…
One worry is that cardiac muscle deterioration will present itself within individuals. At the onset of the symptoms, individuals receive full cardiac evaluations.
Medications belonging to a group known as corticosteroids have been found effective in slowing the course of DMD. The corticosteroids prednisone (available in the United States) and deflazacort (not usually available in the United States) are beneficial in the treatment of DMD. Several high-quality studies of these medications in DMD showed a significant increase in strength, timed muscle function (such as the time it took to climb stairs) and pulmonary function. MDA.
Boys will also receive physical therapy; this will give individuals a greater range of motions and strengthen their muscles. Occupational therapy provides assistance for individuals to learn how to leave typical daily lives despite Duchenne Muscular