According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center at the National Institutes of Health, Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a “progressive form of muscular dystrophy that occurs primarily in males, though in rare cases may affect females. DMD causes progressive weakness and loss (atrophy) of skeletal and heart muscles.” Early signs in children may include a delayed ability to sit, stand, or walk and difficulties in learning to speak. By the time a child reaches 3 or 4 years of age, muscle weakness is noticeable in the hips, upper legs, and shoulders. Children with DMD may have difficulty running and climbing stairs and DMD may affect their learning, memory, communication, and some emotional skills. As children with DMD age, the muscle weakness worsens and progresses to the arms, legs, and trunk and many will use a wheelchair full time by the time they are 13 years old.

DMD is caused by changes in a specific gene. It is inherited; however, it may occur in people who do not have a family history of DMD. There is no known cure for DMD; however, treatments and assistive technologies are available that can help address symptoms.

NARIC’s information specialists used REHABDATA to search our collection for articles on DMD. If your child has DMD, please contact NARIC’s information specialists to request further information and resources.