Undeniable Hope: New Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Knowing where to look for access to information for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can be a great challenge. Because the Food and Drug Administration has been looking for new research into this disease, managing a patient's diet and overall health is vital.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy may seem like an end-all diagnosis, but it doesn't have to be. Being optimistic for your child and yourself can be the greatest weapon against negativity. With new research, information, and technology, there is undeniable hope that there will be a cure someday from this terrible disease. 

Frustration. Anger. Guilt. These are just some of the emotions that you might be feeling with a Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis, especially since it's happening to your child. It's a lifelong disease, which means it'll follow them into adulthood. But, during these years, it's important to make sure you and your family can manage it in the best way possible. This can include going to physical therapy and having the proper diet. 

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, and it's caused by a severe lack of the protein dystrophin. The muscles that are affected and the overall skeletal system are weakened and they need certain nutrients to delay the progressive symptoms and maintain as much strength as they can. If not, patients are at risk of seriously harming themselves.

Males are often more affected. However, though it's rare, a girl can be diagnosed. No matter the age or the gender, everyone can agree that this disease is awful for anyone experiencing it.

We hear it in the news almost everyday that there are new medicines and treatments being looked at. One of the main focuses of these studies is delaying the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. 

If you want to participate in a clinical trial for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, go to: https://www.mda.org/research/clinical-trials. This website also has information about clinical trials that parents, guardians and patients should know before participating in one. 

Read on to learn how you can be positive in the face of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and how you can manage it.