Our mission is to support people affected by muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular disorders and endeavour to improve the quality of life of its members.
Muscular dystrophy is the name given to a group of more than 70 different neuromuscular disorders causing progressive wasting and weakness of the muscles. Each type presents differently and with its own levels of severity and complexity.
Some facts about Muscular Dystrophy:
- The disorder is usually inherited, with the defective gene responsible for the weakening of the muscles being passed on from one generation to the next. However, MD can also occur in families where there is no prior history of the condition.
- The disorders affect about 1 in 1 200 people in the general population.
- Children and adults of every race are affected.
- The prognosis varies according to the type of MD and the speed of progression. Some types are mild and progress very slowly, allowing normal life expectancy, while others are more severe and result in functional disability and loss of the ability to walk.
- Life expectancy may depend on the degree of muscle weakness and any respiratory or cardiac complications.
- MD is not contagious and cannot be brought on by injury or activity.
