Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD)

What is Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) is named after German doctor Peter Emil Becker, who first distinguished the symptoms from other muscular dystrophies in the mid 1950s. BMD is considered to be a milder form of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), as both are caused by mutations in the same gene, and thus has similar symptoms. For more information about Becker Muscular Dystrophy click here.

 

 

Dystrophin protein is needed for healthy muscle cell function. A genetic fault in the code for this protein means that the muscle cells are easily damaged. This damage builds up over time and leads to the muscle weakness experienced in BMD. Image sourced from.

Q&A: Here is where we answer some of our members questions. If you have any questions please email them to info@mda.org.nz and we will endeavour to answer them.