What is it?
How many people does MD affect?
1 in every 5,000 males
How does MD effect physical development?
The weakening of the muscles results in the child stumbling, waddling or having difficulties walking up the stairs. Pain and stiffness in the muscles.
What can be the result in the future for children who do not form healthy relationships?
They can feel isolated and develop mental health issues.
At what do most MD patients live until?
20
Are ventilators used for mild MD cases or severe?
Severe
What is muscular dystrophy characterized by?
Muscle weakness and muscle loss over time
What kind of learning disabilities can a MD patient develop
Autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia
What is the result of learning disabilities to a child's development who has MD?
Learning how to communicate becomes difficult
What is the result of the weakening of all the muscles in the body? Severe MD
An individual is unable to walk, breathe or eat unassisted
What do corticosteroids do?
Increase muscle strength and slow progression of muscular dystrophy
What is dystrophin?
A major protein needed to build and maintain healthy muscles
How does muscular dystrophy impact the spine?
Weakness of the muscles results in there not being anything supporting bones, especially the spine, causing it to curve.
How does MD relate to the development of a child's individuality?
Instead of learning how to crawl, walk, run and gain independence children with MD become more dependent on parents as they become weaker.
Name 3 secondary disorders caused by MD
Anxiety, depression and OCD
What is the cure for muscular dystrophy?
There is none
How many types of muscular dystrophy are there and what is the most common?
30 types and Duchenne
What is dysgraphia and why is it such a difficulty for children with muscular dystrophy?
Dysgraphia is a disorder of the written expression, MD patients have decreased motor skills due to lack of muscle making the physical aspect of writing much more difficult
How is MD related to psychosocial development?
They find it harder to interact with other their age because of secondary disorders such as anxiety or depression
Why are children with MD predisposed to OCD?
It is a result of their sensory sensitivities or due to the deficits in mental flexibility and adaptability
What kind of exercises are recommended for those with MD?
A range of motion and stretching exercises or standard low impact aerobic exercises
What does the genetic mutation interfere with in an individual with MD?
Interferes with the production of the muscle protein dystrophin
What is aspiration pneumonia, a side effect of MD?
The complication with pulmonary aspiration causing an individual to swallow food, saliva or stomach acid into the lung
What does MD do to an individuals social development?
Because of the side effects and secondary disorders children may struggle to form relationships affecting future relationships as an adult
For those who survive into their 20's and 30's what is their life like?
They are wheelchair bound and accompanied by a ventilator to assist with breathing
Name 3 mobility aids that individuals with MD use
Canes, wheelchairs and walkers