Genetic and Developmental Diseases and Disorders

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that gradually weakens a person’s muscles. It is caused by missing or incorrect genetic information in the body’s cells. The person’s body is unable to make the proteins needed to build and maintain healthy muscles. Although there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, researchers are learning about how to prevent and treat the condition. Doctors have learned a great deal about how to improve muscle and joint function and how to slow the deterioration of muscles. Their goal is to help children, teenagers, and adults with muscular dystrophy live active and independent lives for as long as possible. This book delves into the history of the disorder, the genetic basis of MD, the main types of MD, and living with MD and suggests some coping strategies. It also explores diagnostic tests for MD, genetic research, and the promising effects of gene therapy.