Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Becker muscular dystrophy is the same basic disease as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, except it is less common and the symptoms are milder and slower to progress.

Overview

What is Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Becker muscular dystrophy is the same basic disease as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, except it is less common and the symptoms are milder and slower to progress. It also only affects males, and occurs in about 1/30,000. Symptoms often begin during adolescence. Once symptoms begin, they follow a slower, but similar, course to that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Patients continue to be able to walk through late teens to early adulthood. Enlarged calves (pseudohypertrophy) and the breakdown of heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) are much the same as in those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Learning disabilities are less common in Becker MD. Many patients die, due to complications, in their mid-to-late 20s. Less than half of those with Becker MD survive to 40 years of age. Those that do are typically severely disabled.

Ryan's Story

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a life-threatening and muscle-deteriorating disease. But thanks to pioneering new treatments, 12 year-old Ryan is still walking.

Learn More About the Center for Gene Therapy ›

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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare condition defined by worsening muscle weakness and damage. It is the most common inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects all races and ethnicities. DMD only affects males and children with DMD may lose the ability to walk as early as 7 years of age.

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