What is Myotonic Dystrophy

myTomorrows Team 18 Jan 2024

13 mins read

share this post

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle wasting causing two main problems: muscles that don’t relax quickly (myotonia) and that gradually get weaker over time. It is a multi-system disorder, and symptoms can affect various organs and tissues, not just muscles. Performing daily activities can become challenging as this condition may also impact different parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, digestive system, eyes, hormone-producing glands, and the brain, as well as the skeletal muscles. 

This is a progressive condition that may cause a wide range of health issues as it gradually worsens over time. The progression of myotonic dystrophy can vary widely among individuals, and it is difficult to predict the exact course of the disease for a specific person. Navigating myotonic dystrophy can be complex, necessitating a personalized approach for each individual.  

Types of Myotonic Dystrophy

There are two main types of myotonic dystrophy: Type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1) and Type 2 myotonic dystrophy (DM2).  

Type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1)

Type 2 myotonic dystrophy (DM2)

Both types of myotonic dystrophy result from genetic mutations that disrupt how certain proteins work in cells. And both can affect multiple body systems, resulting in a wide range of symptoms that extend beyond muscle-related issues. 

Due to this complexity, this blog will focus on the more common type of myotonic dystrophy, DM1. 

Symptoms of DM1

DM1 varies widely from person to person, affecting many body parts and causing many symptoms. Some people with myotonic dystrophy might have more serious muscle problems, while others might experience additional symptoms like learning difficulties or mood changes. There may also be other psychological challenges, for example feeling a lack of motivation after developing blurry vision due to cataracts, or patients can experience difficulties with mood and memory. The cardiac muscles, vital for heart function, might develop irregularities, which can cause symptoms like dizziness due to abnormal heart rhythms.  If involuntary muscles are affected, it can lead to a range of issues: digestive problems such as constipation or indigestion, circulation challenges due to dysfunctional blood vessels, and breathing difficulties resulting from compromised control of the airways. This complexity underscores the need for a personalized approach to care. 

Diagnosis and Genetic Testing

To diagnose myotonic dystrophy in general, doctors typically begin by doing a physical examination. They look for characteristic symptoms such as muscle weakness, myotonia, and cataracts. The next step is genetic testing to determine the type of myotonic dystrophy. This involves checking for specific gene mutations, in the DMPK gene (Dystrophia Myotonica Protein Kinase) for DM1, and in the CNBP gene (Cellular Nucleic Acid Binding Protein, also known as ZNF9, which stands for Zinc Finger Protein 9) for DM2.  

Imagine the genetic code as a long, complex instruction manual for building and maintaining the human body. In myotonic dystrophy, there’s a section in this manual (the DNA) where a phrase is mistakenly repeated many times, leading to faulty instructions. The repeated phrase is an abnormal repetition of DNA building blocks in a particular gene. 

Normally, this sequence of building DNA building blocks is repeated a few times in everyone’s DNA, but in people with DM1, this sequence is repeated far more. The number of these repeats can vary greatly among individuals with DM1. Research is beginning to suggest that the higher the number of these repeats a person has, the more severe their symptoms may be and the earlier the disease may appear. 

For someone with DM1, genetic testing may not only confirm their diagnosis but may also suggest how future generations may be impacted by the disease. When a person with DM1 has children, the number of repeats is expected to increase in the next generation. As a result, the child may develop symptoms of the disease earlier and more severely than the parent did. This trend of increasing severity and earlier onset in each successive generation is referred to as “anticipation.” People receiving a diagnosis may be referred to genetic counselling for more information and support. 

Daily Challenges with Myotonic Dystrophy

A study exploring the lived experience of people with various types of DM found the most common complaints overall were muscle weakness, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. For people with DM1, the most challenging daily life activities were going up and down stairs, standing, and maintaining balance.  Living with myotonic dystrophy involves adapting daily routines to manage progressive symptoms like muscle weakness and stiffness, which impact activities and independence. For example, scheduling regular breaks or time to rest may be one way to adapt. Another challenge people with DM1 may face is cognitive changes such as memory and concentration difficulties, leading to stress and frustration. These daily life changes may feel like a loss of independence and increased reliance on others. Depending on the needs, support is in most cases available. 

Caregivers can support with daily tasks, like medication management and/or transportation. Counselling, patient advocacy groups, and support groups may be helpful resources in learning to navigate these life changes. Support may also come from family and friends. Finding a space to share experiences and learning coping strategies help both patients and caregivers as they adjust. 

Treatment

There is currently no cure for myotonic dystrophy. The approach to treatment places a focus on alleviating its symptoms. DM1 has a greater impact on various body systems and requires specialized care and monitoring. Therefore, clinical recommendations emphasize a comprehensive approach. Usually, a team of experts from different medical fields is necessary to manage the wide-ranging symptoms of DM1. They focus on understanding the disease’s progression and adapting care accordingly.
DM1 can be categorized into two main groups:

Clinical Recommendations for Severe Symptoms and Conditions: 

Clinical Recommendations for Life-Threatening Symptoms: 

Research Exploring New Treatment Options 

Research on myotonic dystrophy is exploring new ways to tackle the disease’s genetic roots. These treatments are experimental and need more research to ensure they are safe and effective. They share a common goal: addressing the underlying genetic cause of myotonic dystrophy. 

While their end goal is similar, each approach works at a different stage or aspect of the genetic problem in myotonic dystrophy. This diversity in approaches is important to help increase the chances of finding effective treatments for the condition. 

Conclusion  

Myotonic dystrophy, a complex genetic disorder, has varied manifestations and requires a multi-faceted approach for diagnosis, treatment, and daily management. The process of diagnosing myotonic dystrophy involves a physical examination followed by genetic testing. Understanding the implications of a positive diagnosis, including the likelihood of passing myotonic dystrophy through inheritance, is important.  

Living with myotonic dystrophy involves a continuous process of adaptation to manage an evolving set of symptoms, impacting both physical and emotional aspects of life for patients and their caregivers. Staying informed and proactive is key for patients and their families in navigating this condition.  

myTomorrows is dedicated to helping patients with myotonic dystrophy. We can support with finding and if patients wish so, help with accessing clinical trials. Click here to get started and speak with one of our patient navigators. 

The information in this blog is not intended as a substitute for a medical consultation. Always consult a doctor before receiving a diagnosis or treatment. 

The myTomorrows team
Anthony Fokkerweg 61-2
1059CP Amsterdam
The Netherlands 

 

References 

Hagerman KA, Howe SJ, Heatwole CR. The myotonic dystrophy experience: a North American crosssectional study. Muscle Nerve. 2019 Apr;59(4):457–64. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6590656/ 

Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 21]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology-neurosurgery/specialty-areas/muscular-dystrophy/myotonic-muscular-dystrophy 

Heatwole C, Bode R, Johnson N, Quinn C, Martens W, McDermott MP, et al. Patient-reported impact of symptoms in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (PRISM-1). Neurology. 2012 Jul 24;79(4):348–57. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22786587/ 

Meola G, Cardani R. Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2: An Update on Clinical Aspects, Genetic and Pathomolecular Mechanism. J Neuromuscul Dis. 2015 Jul 22;2(Suppl 2):S59–71. Available from: 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27858759/ 

De Antonio M, Dogan C, Daidj F, Eymard B, Puymirat J, Mathieu J, et al. The DM-scope registry: a rare disease innovative framework bridging the gap between research and medical care. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2019 Jun 3;14(1):122. Available from: https://ojrd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13023-019-1088-3 

Wood L, Bassez G, Bleyenheuft C, Campbell C, Cossette L, Jimenez-Moreno AC, et al. Eight years after an international workshop on myotonic dystrophy patient registries: case study of a global collaboration for a rare disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2018 Sep 5;13(1):155.https://ojrd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13023-018-0889-0 

Norwood FLM, Harling C, Chinnery PF, Eagle M, Bushby K, Straub V. Prevalence of genetic muscle disease in Northern England: in-depth analysis of a muscle clinic population. Brain. 2009 Nov 1;132(11):3175–86. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19767415/ 

De Antonio M, Dogan C, Hamroun D, Mati M, Zerrouki S, Eymard B, et al. Unravelling the myotonic dystrophy type 1 clinical spectrum: A systematic registry-based study with implications for disease classification. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2016 Oct;172(10):572–80. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27665240/ 

https://fyra.io. Practical Neurology. Bryn Mawr Communications; [cited 2023 Dec 22]. Noninflammatory Myopathies. Available from: https://practicalneurology.com/articles/2019-aug-july/noninflammatory-myopathies 

Bird TD. Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Bean LJ, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993 [cited 2023 Dec 21]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1165/ 

Khoshbakht R, Soltanzadeh A, Zamani B, Abdi S, Gharagozli K, Kahrizi K, et al. Correlation between distribution of muscle weakness, electrophysiological findings and CTG expansion in myotonic dystrophy. J Clin Neurosci Off J Neurosurg Soc Australas. 2014 Jul;21(7):1123–6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24417793/ 

Vydra DG, Rayi A. Myotonic Dystrophy. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 [cited 2023 Dec 21]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557446/ 

University of Rochester Medical Center. URMC Newsroom. 2015 [cited 2023 Dec 20]. Study Identifies Patients’ Priorities in Treating Rare Muscular Dystrophy. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/study-identifies-patients-priorities-in-treating-rare-muscular-dystrophy 

Ashizawa T, Gagnon C, Groh WJ, Gutmann L, Johnson NE, Meola G, et al. Consensus-based care recommendations for adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Neurol Clin Pract. 2018 Dec;8(6):507–20. Available from: https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000531 

Modoni A, Silvestri G, Grazia Pomponi M, Mangiola F, Tonali PA, Marra C. Characterization of the Pattern of Cognitive Impairment in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Arch Neurol. 2004 Dec 1;61(12):1943–7. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/787358

Miller JN, Kruger A, Moser DJ, Gutmann L, van der Plas E, Koscik TR, et al. Cognitive Deficits, Apathy, and Hypersomnolence Represent the Core Brain Symptoms of Adult-Onset Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Dec 20];12. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.700796 

McNally EM, Mann DL, Pinto Y, Bhakta D, Tomaselli G, Nazarian S, et al. Clinical Care Recommendations for Cardiologists Treating Adults WithMyotonic Dystrophy. J Am Heart Assoc Cardiovasc Cerebrovasc Dis. 2020 Feb 6;9(4):e014006. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32067592/ 

Sunday MW|, April 8, 2012. Muscular Dystrophy Association. 2016 [cited 2023 Dec 20]. Quest – Article – Cardiac Care in MMD: Lack of Symptoms May Mask Deadly Problems. Available from: https://www.mda.org/quest/article/cardiac-care-mmd-lack-of-symptoms-may-mask-deadly-problems 

Geirdal AØ, Lund-Petersen I, Heiberg A. Understanding the Experience of Myotonic Dystrophy. Mixed Method Study. J Genet Couns. 2015;24(1):169–78. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4297614/ 

Cup EH, Kinébanian A, Satink T, Pieterse AJ, Hendricks HT, Oostendorp RA, et al. Living with myotonic dystrophy; what can be learned from couples? a qualitative study. BMC Neurol. 2011 Jul 13;11(1):86. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3158552/ 

Finsterer J, Rudnik-Schöneborn S. [Myotonic dystrophies: clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnostics and therapy]. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2015 Jan;83(1):9–17. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25602187/ 

Muscular Dystrophy Association. Muscular Dystrophy Association. 2015 [cited 2023 Dec 20]. Causes/Inheritance – Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) – Diseases. Available from: https://www.mda.org/disease/myotonic-dystrophy/causes-inheritance 

Muscular Dystrophy Association. Working With Your Myotonic Dystrophy Care Team | Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Dec 20]. Available from: https://www.myotonic.org/working-your-myotonic-dystrophy-care-team 

Pascual-Gilabert M, Artero R, López-Castel A. The myotonic dystrophy type 1 drug development pipeline: 2022 edition. Drug Discov Today. 2023 Mar 1;28(3):103489. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359644623000053 

Ait Benichou S, Jauvin D, De Serres-Bérard T, Pierre M, Ling KK, Bennett CF, et al. Antisense oligonucleotides as a potential treatment for brain deficits observed in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Gene Ther. 2022 Dec;29(12):698–709. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41434-022-00316-7 

Overby SJ, Cerro-Herreros E, Llamusi B, Artero R. RNA-mediated therapies in myotonic dystrophy. Drug Discov Today. 2018 Dec;23(12):2013–22.Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359644617305305 

share this post

Disease AwarenessGenetic TestingMyotonic DystrophyDM1

myTomorrows Team 18 Jan 2024

Stay Up to Date

Signup to our newsletter for updates

more articles

view all blogs
Physicians
HCPs
Medical Community
Dedicated support

Meet the myTomorrows medical community team!

myTomorrows Team

22 Nov 2024

4 mins read

Vanessa Lemarie

myTomorrows Appoints Vanessa Lemarié as Chief Operating Officer

myTomorrows Team

13 Nov 2024

3 mins read

Clinical Research
Research Studies
Investigational treatments
Brain Tumours

From Symptoms to Treatment: A Guide to Brain Tumours

myTomorrows Team

27 Sep 2024

10 mins read

Clinical Research
Research Studies
Investigational treatments
Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Navigating Becker Muscular Dystrophy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

myTomorrows Team

27 Sep 2024

8 mins read

disabled-boy-in-a-wheelchair-enjoying-the-day-outdoors
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Clinical Research
Research Studies
Investigational treatments

Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Treatment and Care Essentials 

myTomorrows Team

27 Sep 2024

11 mins read

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Research Studies
Clinical Research
Investigational treatments

From Diagnosis to Treatment: Managing Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

myTomorrows Team

17 Sep 2024

11 mins read

Mighties
myTomorrowland

The Mighties at myTomorrowland 2024

myTomorrows Team

28 Aug 2024

3 mins read

myTomorrows and Pancreatic Cancer Europe Partnership
Clinical Trials
Pancreatic Cancer
Partnership

myTomorrows and Pancreatic Cancer Europe Partner to Support Pancreatic Cancer Patients in Accessing Clinical Trials

myTomorrows Team

27 Aug 2024

4 mins read

Group of physicians investigating new therapies for Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Clinical Research
Research Studies
Investigational treatments

Emerging Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes

myTomorrows Team

14 Aug 2024

6 mins read