The disease causes muscle weakness and also affects the central nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and hormone-producing glands. In most cases, daily living isnt restricted for many years. Those with myotonic MD have a decreased life expectancy.

Does muscular dystrophy lead to early death?

Background: Muscular dystrophies (MDs), characterized by progressive muscle wasting, are associated with 1 in 2,500 deaths in the United States. Although treatments slow the progression, these disorders lead to early death, usually due to cardiac or respiratory failure.

Does muscular dystrophy get worse over time?

How muscular dystrophy affects you or your child depends on the kind. Most peoples condition will get worse over time, and some people may lose the ability to walk, talk, or care for themselves. But that doesnt happen to everyone. Other people can live for many years with mild symptoms.

Can muscular dystrophy cause death?

Life expectancy appears to be reduced for people with myotonic dystrophy. Respiratory and cardiac diseases are the most common causes of death, but cardiac death can be prevented with the implantation of a pacemaker or with other interventions.

What is the last stage of muscular dystrophy?

In the last phase of Duchenne, there is usually increased difficulty in breathing. Life-threatening heart and lung conditions are more likely. Regular heart and lung monitoring is required, medications are often necessary, and breathing support may be needed.

Can you live a long life with muscular dystrophy?

Until recently, children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) did not often live beyond their teens. However, improvements in cardiac and respiratory care mean that life expectancy is increasing, with many DMD patients reaching their 30s, and some living into their 40s and 50s.

What is the mortality rate of muscular dystrophy?

A significant decade on decade improvement in survival rate was observed at both the age of 20, where it passed from 23.3% of patients in group 1 to 54% of patients in group 2 and to 59,8% in patients in group 3 (p < 0.001) and at the age of 25 where the survival rate passed from 13.5% of patients in group 1 to 31.6%

What is the most common cause of death in muscular dystrophy?

The most common cause of death is heart failure from cardiomyopathy. Some patients are found to have the genetic abnormalities of the dystrophin gene, but, clinically, have symptoms between those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) or Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).

How long does someone with muscular dystrophy live?

In its most common form, Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy causes progressive weakness that begins in the hips and moves to the shoulders, arms, and legs. Within 20 years, walking becomes difficult or impossible. Sufferers typically live to middle age to late adulthood.