Duchenne muscular dystrophy can affect the body in a variety of ways. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to a lack of a muscle protein called dystrophin. The genetic problems lead to muscle weakness that affects voluntary muscles in the legs and arms, which ultimately leads to a loss of mobility. Muscles in the heart and respiratory system may also be affected, which makes people with the disorder more susceptible to complications like infections or heart failure. In some cases, Duchenne muscular dystrophy can also lead to learning disabilities if the brain is affected by the lack of dystrophin.
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