A Devastating X-linked illness (mostly affects
boys) caused by a mutation in the DMD gene which produces a protein called Dystrophin which maintains a strong and healthy muscle and prevents muscle injuries. Due to those with Duchenne not being able to produce Dystrophin, their muscles weaken overtime and their heart muscle with become so weak that their heart will just give out. Symptoms become apparent when the child is a
baby as they will exhibit signs of delayed motor skills such as crawling
later than other
boys or walking later than other
boys. When they do begin to walk, their gait will be abnormal and will
tip-toe rather than put their heels to the ground when walking. As they get older, they will need a wheelchair because their legs will become so weak that they can no longer walk, this normally happens at the age of
12. Due to improvements in treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in recent years, more people are living beyond 20 which was a rare occurrence 20 years ago, now the
average age of death is 27.