What is Duchenne?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. DMD is one of four conditions known as dystrophinopathies. The other three diseases that belong to this group are Becker Muscular dystrophy (BMD, a mild form of DMD); an intermediate clinical presentation between DMD and BMD; and DMD-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (heart-disease) with little or no clinical skeletal, or voluntary, muscle disease.
DMD symptom onset is in early childhood, usually between ages 2 and 3. The disease primarily affects boys, but in rare cases it can affect girls.
In Europe and North America, the prevalence of DMD is approximately 6 per 100,000 individuals. 1
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There are several great resources for families just like yours when first looking for information on Muscle Disease. Below are a few links to websites, organizations, and other non-profits that we have found helpful in our journey with Jaxon;
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Additional Resources:
https://www.parentprojectmd.org/
https://www.4pawsforability.org/
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References
1. MDA.Org, What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 2022.