What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease which is usually diagnosed in boys between the ages of 3 and 6.

The information on this page can help you to understand the symptoms, causes and stages of DMD.

Louis, aged 8, smiling outdoors Louis, aged 8, smiling outdoors
young boy sitting on floor

Signs and symptoms of Duchenne

In early stages, DMD affects the limb muscles, with the legs affected before the arms. Children with DMD are often late walkers. Muscle weakness is most noticeable when children run or get up from the floor.

Early symptoms can also include:

  • Delay in the ability to sit and stand independently
  • Large calf muscles (known as pseudohypertrophy)
  • Trouble running and jumping
  • Unusual gait when walking
  • Using the Gower’s Manouevre to get off the floor (using their hands and arms to “walk” up their own body from a squatting position).
Boy having a heart check up

How can Duchenne be treated

Current treatments and supporting therapies for DMD can help to ease the symptoms of the disease. 

Duchenne UK is funding research into new treatments that could have greater impact and more acceptable side effects.

Treatments & therapies

Find out more

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Get support

If your loved one has DMD, we are here to support you from the point of diagnosis into adulthood.

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Our research

We're going further and faster than anyone before to find more effective treatments and a cure for DMD.

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Matt embracing his son Connor, who has DMD Matt embracing his son Connor, who has DMD

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Join the fight to end Duchenne by getting involved in fundraising or donating to us.

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