Muscular dystrophy is a common name used to describe about 20 various disorders that belong to this group.
The disease is a genetic disorder and it is believed to affect male children more than females.
The life expectancy decreases gradually for people who have this disorder.
However, the life expectancy depends on the severity of the disorder.
When a person has this disease, it is a catch 22 situation.
The body needs the muscles and tissues, but it also prevents them from being built.
As time passes by because of the lack of muscle, the person is unable to walk.
Based on how much the person is handicapped and what type of dystrophy is present, life expectancy can be estimated.
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy affects mostly boys.
By the time the child is 10 or 13 years old, he is restricted to a wheel chair.
They also develop heart and respiratory disorders.
Their life expectancy cannot be promised for more than 20 years from the time of birth.
Becker dystrophy is a lesser severe types.
The longevity of their life is not affected to that great an extent.
Some people do not even lose the use of their limbs.
However, they will have health issues and the life expectancy depends on how the disease progresses.
Congenital muscular dystrophy causes weak muscles and also learning disabilities besides mental retardation.
The longevity of the life depends on the person how they are coping.
The symptoms occur after 25 years of age.
Various tests are done to find out if there is muscular dystrophy.
However, there is no cure for any kind of muscular dystrophy even today.