Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy (MD) was first accounted in 1830 by Scottish surgeon Sir Charles Bell. It is one of many genetic disorders. This disorder weakens our muscles that help our body move. It is not contagious but it is hereditary. Anyone with MD has incorrect or missing information in their genes, which makes them unable to produce protein. Protein is needed in order for us to have healthy muscles. There are many different types of Muscular Dystrophy. The two common kinds of Muscualr Dystrophy are Duchenne and Becker. Duchenne MD mostly affects boys, but girls who have the gene may show symptoms. Some of the symptoms include loss of reflexes, frequent falls, and clumsiness. Children with Duchenne MD may loose the ability to walk by the time they are adolescence. On the other hand, Beck MD is less severe, but somewhat similar to Duchenne MD. It usually appears around age 11 but it may occur as late as age 25. Some individuals are able to walk until they’re in their mid-thirties or later, while others are unable to walk past their teens. This MD is usually noticed first in the upper arms and shoulders, upper legs, and pelvis. Muscular Dystrophies are diagnosed in various ways. Doctors may review the individual’s medical and family history to figure out if the disease is secondary to a disease affecting an inherited condition. Blood and urine tests are used to distinguish any abnormal genes and help diagnose certain neuromuscular disorders. Genetic testing is used