Identified Risk Factors for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

In most cases, boys start showing their symptoms at the age of 5 or younger. Dr. Mammen, Director of Translational Research for UT Southwestern’s Advanced Heart Failure Program says that the popular thought that leads people to believe boys affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy will not live long needs be eradicated. For example, Dr. Mammen has said that this was true 15 years ago, when almost none of the patients suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy were able to lived until 25 years old.

However, this has changed. Currently, at least 70% of people suffering from this disease are able to survive until their 30's or even late 40's.