Becker Muscular Dystrophy
The less severe form of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that was mentioned earlier is known as Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), and it is one of the nine kinds of genetic muscular dystrophy that is common throughout the world. BMD symptoms are similar to DMD, but the disease has less of an impact on the muscles. Like DMD, Becker muscular dystrophy is the result of inadequate dystrophin, or when the dystrophin protein is only partially functional. The absence of this protein causes weakness in the muscles.
In other words, while those who suffer from DMD have very little dystrophin, those with BMD will be able to produce some functional proteins. Although these proteins are shorter than average, it is enough to protect the muscles from atrophying has rapidly as they would in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The life expectancy for BMD is slightly better than DMD. People with the disorder will survive late into life. Since the cardiac effects of the disease are less common than the more severe variant, normal to near normal life expectancy is possible.
