Muscular dystrophy is the name for a group of neuromuscular disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles that control body movement. As muscle tissue weakens and wastes away, it is replaced by fatty and connective tissue.

Each form of muscular dystrophy is caused by an error in a specific gene associated with muscle function; however, specific disorders within this group vary in many ways. The muscles involved are different from one disorder to another. The severity of the symptoms, the age at which the symptoms appear, how fast the symptoms progress, and what pattern of inheritance the disorder follows, are all factors which differ among the various forms of muscular dystrophy. Even within a specific disorder, several individuals with the same disorder may experience the disorder and its symptoms quite differently.

Muscular dystrophies are genetic disorders. Forms of muscular dystrophy can be passed on from generation to generation, or they can occur spontaneously in a single individual as the result of a mutation of a particular gene. Contrary to popular belief, muscular dystrophy is not exclusively a childhood disorder – anyone can be affected.  While some types of muscular dystrophy are first evident in infancy or early childhood, other types may not appear until later in life.

Over time, persons with neuromuscular disorders may lose the ability to walk, speak, and ultimately breathe. For some individuals, the disorder is fatal. There is currently no cure.

About Us

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s dedicated volunteers and staff across the country raise funds and work hard to support the independence and full participation of Canadians with neuromuscular disorders, fund research to find a cure and improve the quality of life of people with neuromuscular disorders, assist our clients to participate in the decisions that affect them, and collaborate with others for social change. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to make a real difference in the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy.

Our funds are carefully allocated into four major areas:

Since 1954, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has put more than $60 million towards research. We are partners with the ALS Society of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in the Neuromuscular Research Partnership (NRP).  This cooperative research-funding model has allowed us to more effectively use our research dollars to support a broader range of projects studying the causes, cures and treatments of muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.

There are three types of support provided by Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

• Referrals:
  Staff and volunteers provide referrals and contact information for neuromuscular clinics, agencies, and other community resources, to help persons with neuromuscular disorders find solutions to problems they face in their daily lives.
• Peer Support
  Volunteers who have experienced living with a neuromuscular disorder are trained as supporters and mentors for clients with similar disorders. They offer resources, tips on coping, and an “understanding ear” to persons with neuromuscular disorders or family members who are looking for support.
• Mobility Equipment Program
  We provide basic mobility equipment, on loan, from a stock of recycled devices such as scooters, manual and electric wheelchairs, and hospital beds. Some funding assistance may be available for the purchase of new equipment.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada engages in social action to ensure that people with neuromuscular disorders can participate fully in all aspects of daily living. We aim to do this by working with other organizations to bring about policy changes at the provincial and federal level, and by providing volunteers in community chapter offices with tools they need to participate in local advocacy efforts.

This website www.muscle.ca provides access to electronic copies of all our publications, plus links to news and in-depth coverage of our research funding. Muscular Dystrophy Canada publishes a national newsmagazine, Connections, available in both French and English. The magazine features information on a variety of neuromuscular disorders, news in research, and tips on parenting and increasing quality of life. Please contact us if you would like to receive Connections, or for disorder-specific information sheets, research updates, brochures, videos, and books.

(All text on this page courtesy of www.muscle.ca)
© Muscular Dystrophy Canada 2010