# data[].attributes.body
Muscular Dystrophy means progressive muscle degeneration/weakness and shrinkage of the muscle tissue.  Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy (MMD) is a type of muscular dystrophy that affects both organs and muscles.

What are the Causes?
MMD is a sex-linked disorder.  Myotonic muscular dystrophy is caused when a portion of either of two genes is larger than it should be.  MMD is the result of mutation on the X-chromosome.  There are multiple types of Muscular dystrophy, each caused by a different set of mutations on the X-chromosome.  All of these mutations end up producing dystrophin, which is essential for the production and repair of muscle.

# data[].attributes.body
MMD primarily affects the muscular system, causing weakness of the voluntary muscles.  The degree of weakness, as well which muscles are affected, varies from case to case and is based on many different factors.
The muscular system is only one of the systems affected by MMD.

Other systems include:
-The Circulatory System-
People with MMS may develop an abnormal heart rhythm as the heart muscle weakens.  In addition, muscles that are used to help breathe may also weaken, causing difficulty breathing (especially whilst sleeping).
-The Digestive System-
More possible effects of MMS are difficulty with swallowing, as well as constipation and gallstones.
-The Reproductive System-
In females with MMS, complications with the uterus may occur, leading to problems during pregnancy.
-The Nervous System-
Both learning disabilities and an apathetic personality are common in people who have MMD.  Serious impaired cognitive functioning is possible, leading to issues with vision, speech, and hearing.

# data[].attributes.body
Early symptoms of MMD include:
-A waddling gait
-Muscle pain/stiffness
-Difficulty with activities involving running and walking
-Walking on toes
-Difficulty sitting up or standing
-Learning disabilities
-Frequent falls

As the disease progresses, these symptoms can also appear:
-Inability to walk
-Shortening of muscles and tendons
-Acute breathing problems
-Curvature of the spine
-Weakened heart muscles
-Difficulty swallowing

# data[].attributes.body
MMD is a sex-linked disorder, which is caused by a mutation in a gene on the X chromosome. As males only have one copy of each gene on the X chromosome, they'll be affected if their X-chromosome is at all mutated.  As females have two copies of the X chromosome, they're less likely to develop an X-linked condition, because the normal copy of the chromosome would likely mask the altered version. Although females can still have MMD, the condition is usually less severe than when the gene alteration is present in a male.  Since MMD is genetic, it can present at any age.

# data[].attributes.body
Unfortunately, there is no cure for MMD.  However, medications and therapies can be utilized to help slow the progression of this disease.

Physical therapies include:
-General exercise
-Mobility aids (crutches, wheelchairs)
-Braces
-Breathing assistance

Popular medications include:
-Corticosteroids (While these both increase muscle mass and slow the progression of MMD, long term use will result in bone weakness and weight gain.)
-Heart Medications

# data[].attributes.body
Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) - Diseases. Muscular Dystrophy Association. (2021, April 29). https://www.mda.org/disease/myotonic-dystrophy.

Balon, Denise. “Facts About Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy.” Muscular Dystrophy Association , 2011.

“Muscular Dystrophy: Symptoms, Treatment, Types, and Causes.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/187618.

“Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.” NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 25 Mar. 2021, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy/.