Dystrophia, more accurately referred to as muscular dystrophy, describes a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Understanding Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophies are not a single disease, but rather a collection of disorders stemming from abnormal genes (mutations). These genetic defects interfere with the body's ability to produce the proteins necessary for building and maintaining healthy muscle tissue. As a result, muscles gradually weaken and waste away over time.
Key Aspects of Muscular Dystrophy:
- Genetic Basis: Muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in genes responsible for muscle structure and function.
- Progressive Weakness: Muscle weakness typically worsens over time, affecting mobility and other bodily functions.
- Muscle Loss: Muscles atrophy (shrink) due to the lack of essential proteins.
- Varied Types: There are many different types of muscular dystrophy, each with its own genetic cause, age of onset, and pattern of muscle involvement.
