World Duchenne Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Concerning Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

World Duchenne Awareness Day is observed on September 7 each year. This day was created by the World Duchenne Organisation to raise awareness of Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies. These debilitating genetic conditions are caused by mutations in the dystrophin genes and manifest as cognitive disabilities, frequent falls, and other symptoms. It severely impairs an individual’s ability to function typically in daily life. This day illuminates what it is, how it impacts our lives, and what we can do to combat it. It also equips us with the knowledge necessary to provide care for someone with this condition.

The background of World Duchenne Awareness Day

Dr. Duchenne de Boulogne gave his name to the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, also known as D.M.D. This was due to the fact that he was one of the first to report a case of D.M.D. and then spent years studying it in depth. In addition to delineating the progressive muscle weakness in patients with D.M.D., he discovered the connection between the muscle and the brain and agreed that D.M.D. also led to brain impairment in its patients. His research introduced this information to the attention of physicians in other nations.

Nearly a century later, Dr. Eric Hoffman and Dr. Louis Kunkel discovered that mutations in the dystrophin gene cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Initially, D.M.D. patients received only basic care, and the only option upon diagnosis was to ensure they were cherished and cared for at home, as there was no medical treatment available. In some cases, non-invasive ventilation was utilised, and this use of respiratory support significantly increased life expectancy.

Since 2007, a growing number of people are being treated with ACE inhibitors as a preventative measure for cardiac abnormalities, which were previously treated only when symptoms appeared. The use of ACE inhibitors as a preventative measure is now part of the present standard of therapy. D.M.D. is a rare but deadly genetic disease, and the 7th of September has been dedicated to its awareness since 2014. World Duchenne Awareness Day is observed globally to inform everyone about DMD and what can be done about it.

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