Best Treatments for Muscular Dystrophy in Adults

Muscular dystrophy only affects children, is it? Think again!

While more often seen in children, muscular dystrophy can affect adults as well. Adult-onset muscular dystrophy is a progressive condition that causes muscle weakness and wasting over time.

Muscular Dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases that affect muscle mass, strength, and function. This debilitating condition occurs when the body cannot produce enough protein that is needed for normal muscle growth.

In most cases, Muscular Dystrophy is noticeable in childhood, but some cases go unnoticed until adulthood. As an adult, learning about the diagnosis and treatment of Muscular Dystrophy can be life-changing.

This blog provides a better understanding of Muscular Dystrophy in adults and the potential treatments available. For more information about this condition, and if you require any additional support, continue reading…

What Is Muscular Dystrophy In Adults?

Muscular Dystrophy in adults is a group of genetic diseases that weaken and/or break down muscle tissue over time.

Muscular dystrophy typically manifests before the age of 20 in both males and females. However, it can also occur as late as 40 years of age. Individuals with this type of muscular dystrophy initially experience weakness in the muscles surrounding the eyes and mouth, shoulders, upper arms, and lower legs. Over time, weakness may also develop in the abdominal and hip muscles.

The subtypes of Muscular Dystrophy in adults vary, as do the symptoms and progression of the disease. Based on the subtype of Muscular Dystrophy an adult has, the condition may progress slowly or rapidly. In some rare cases, the symptoms may even stop progressing, leaving the individual with a mild disability. 

Read on Muscular Dystrophy here…

The Symptoms Of Muscular Dystrophy in Adults

Adult muscular dystrophies are a cluster of conditions that result in muscle disease. They cause gradual muscle weakness and degeneration in adults due to mutations in one or more genes necessary for proper muscle function.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Unusual walking patterns,
• Difficulty standing or sitting up,
• Frequent falls, and
• Difficulty in lifting or carrying objects.
• Muscles around the hips and thighs, neck, and shoulders may also weaken.
• Additionally, breathing and speech difficulties can occur in several cases.

If you have these symptoms, don’t ignore them; rather, visit a doctor to be diagnosed and treated.

How is Muscular Dystrophy in Adults Diagnosed?

If you are an adult experiencing Muscular Dystrophy symptoms, your doctor will conduct numerous tests to diagnose the condition.

• Electromyogram (EMG):

The diagnosis may include an electromyogram (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of muscles.

• Muscle Biopsy

A muscle biopsy may also be taken, which involves removing a small piece of muscle tissue that is examined in a lab.

• Genetic Testing

Additionally, the doctor may conduct genetic testing to check for abnormal genes that are associated with Muscular Dystrophy. It’s possible to examine blood samples for mutations in the genes responsible for certain types of muscular dystrophy.

• Lung-monitoring tests. 

These tests are performed to evaluate the functioning of the lungs. Respiratory problems can sometimes be a symptom of Muscular Dystrophy.

• Enzyme tests. 

If you have a muscle disease, your blood may have high levels of creatine kinase (CK) released by damaged muscles. This occurs even if you haven’t had a traumatic injury.

Advanced Treatment for Muscular Dystrophy in Adults. 

Advanced treatments are offering new hope for those adults affected by muscular dystrophy.

Stem Cell Therapy: 

Stem cell therapy is another treatment option for patients with Muscular Dystrophy in adults.

Recent studies have suggested that stem cells may provide a promising treatment for some forms of muscular dystrophy in adults. Stem cells could be used to repair the damaged muscle proteins and restore muscle strength.

 Stem cell is a safe, less-invasive treatment with fewer side effects than more traditional treatments. It is important to consult with your doctor if you are considering stem cell therapy.

Learn more on stem cell therapy procedure here…

Gene Therapy: 

In recent years, there have been significant advances in treating Muscular Dystrophy in adults, such as gene therapy, which is aimed to replace or repair the missing or mutated genes in the body.

Conventional Treatments for Muscular Dystrophy in Adults. 

The treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Some types of muscular dystrophy in adults can be managed with treatments that delay the loss of mobility and improve heart and lung function.

Ongoing trials are exploring new therapies. It is important for individuals with muscular dystrophy to receive lifelong monitoring and care from a team of specialists, including a neurologist specialized in neuromuscular disorders, a physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and physical and occupational therapists.

Some of the treatment options for Muscular Dystrophy in adults include:

Medications:

• Corticosteroids like prednisone and Emflaza can help increase muscle strength and delay the progression of certain types of muscular dystrophy. However, prolonged use can lead to weight gain and weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Heart medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers may be prescribed if muscular dystrophy affects the heart.

Therapy and Assistive Device Options:

Range-of-motion and stretching exercises: Keep joints flexible and mobile with these exercises, particularly helpful when limbs become fixed and draw inward.

Exercise: Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking and swimming can help maintain strength and mobility. But it’s crucial to consult your doctor beforehand, as some types of exercise can be harmful.

Braces: Slow the progression of contractures by keeping muscles and tendons stretched and flexible. Braces can also provide support for weakened muscles.

Mobility aids: Maintain independence with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

Breathing assistance: Improve oxygen delivery during the night with a sleep apnea device. For those with severe muscular dystrophy, a ventilator may be necessary to force air in and out of the lungs.

Surgery

In order to prevent breathing problems in the future, contractures or a spinal curvature may require surgery. Pacemakers or other cardiac devices can help improve heart function.

Overall, muscular dystrophy in adults can be managed with proper treatment and therapies. It is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with muscular dystrophy in adults.

Conclusion:  

Adult Muscular Dystrophy is a serious, often-disabling condition that affects muscle growth, strength, and function. Treatments are available to prevent complications and manage symptoms.

 Stem cell therapy and gene therapy are promising forms of treatment for some adults with Muscular Dystrophy in adults. The team at Medicoexpert is dedicated to providing the best care and treatment for adults with Muscular Dystrophy in adults. Feel free to reach out to Medicoexpert with any health concerns or questions. For more information on muscular dystrophy in adults or to locate a support group near you, please visit the website of Medicoexpert.

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