When caring for someone with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, it's important to remember that the disease may impact people both physically and emotionally. Muscle weakness and other symptoms may interfere with their ability to perform daily tasks like eating and talking, so help them to be physically independent but help them if necessary. Symptoms may also cause embarrassment that leads to social withdrawal, so help them to feel confident and encourage them to stay social. Reinforce the importance of following any medical advice from their doctors. Because oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy can have an impact on daily life, people with the disease may also have a hard time emotionally coping with the challenges presented by the disease. Make sure you're there to provide emotional support, and help them find other resources, like support groups or counselors, that may be beneficial.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.