Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a muscular dystrophy that affects 1 boy out of 3,500 boys born. It doesn't affect girls at all. Duchenne shows it sign at about ages 1-3 when the boy has trouble walking. Later in life, around ages 10-14, the boy usually can't walk. By their later teens, they don't really have the upper body strength that they had when they were 5 or 6. This doesn't allow the boy to move his arms anymore. When the respiratory system weakens, they need constant support. This and ultimately hurts their heart and lungs, two organs vital for life. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Duchenne yet. However, there are medicines that can slow down the process of the muscles weakening.
Brainpop about DMD. Tim and Moby
talk about how Duchenne affects the boys
body in kid friendly terms.
The link below can give you more information about what happens in the body of a child with Duchenne.
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