What is the typical age range for the onset of symptoms in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to alterations in the dystrophin protein. The onset of symptoms typically occurs between the ages of 2 to 6 years. At this age, children may begin to display delayed milestones such as difficulty running, climbing stairs, and walking. Initially, symptoms might be subtle, such as frequent falls or trouble getting up from the floor, but they generally become more pronounced as the child grows and muscle weakness progresses.

Understanding the age range for symptom onset is crucial in the context of early diagnosis and intervention. Early recognition allows for timely management, including physical therapy and the consideration of treatments that may slow disease progression. The other age ranges mentioned either fall outside the typical pre-school years when significant muscle weakness and delays manifest (ages 1-3), or they represent later stages of the disease where symptoms are already evident and typically relate to more advanced progression rather than the initial onset (ages 5-10 and 10-15). Thus, identifying the age range of 2 to 6 years aligns with the typical clinical presentation of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in young children.