Muscular Dystrophy Research Paper

Muscular dystrophy (MD) can be described as a group of diseases that cause continuing weakness and loss of muscle mass. (Article 1, pg.1) Muscular dystrophy effects homeostasis because abnormal genes (mutations) interrupts the production of proteins that the body needs to form healthy muscle. (Article 1, pg.1) The nine major forms of muscular dystrophy are Myotonic, Duchenne, Becker, Limb-girdle, Facioscapulohumeral, Congenital, Oculopharyngeal, Distal, and Emery-dreifuss. (Article 2, pg.1-2) The appearance of Muscular Dystrophy may become evident any time from infancy to middle age or later. The form and severity of the disease are directed by the age at which it occurs. (Article 2, pg.2)
Mutations on the X chromosome are the cause of muscular
However, the symptoms of Becker Muscular dystrophy generally begin in the mid-twenties or later, are less intense, and do not grow as rapidly. Patients with this disease often experience initial symptoms of muscle aching and stiffness, struggle with running and jumping, and problems sitting upright or standing. They may also waddle when walking or walk primarily on their toes. Muscular dystrophy patients often fall frequently when walking. Many patients tend to have large calf muscles. Patients of the disease may also suffer from learning disabilities, such as later speech development. (Article 3, pg.3). As the disease progresses, the symptoms increase and worsen. The patient’s muscles and tendons may begin to shorten limiting their movement. This limitation may cause the patient to lose their ability to walk. The muscles may become too weak to support the structure of the body which then leads to curving of the spine. Heart problems may be caused by the weakening of the cardiac muscles. Patients sometimes require breathing assistance due to severe respiratory problems. Sometimes it is necessary to insert a feeding tube into patients that suffer from aspiration pneumonia, due to swallowing difficulties caused by the disease. (Article 3,