Kennedy disease Overview:
Kennedy's disease is a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles, particularly the arms and legs. Other major symptoms include severe cramps and problems with speech and swallowing. In most cases, females who inherit the gene are carriers, while men who inherit the gene develop the symptoms. (Rarely, an affected woman may develop symptoms too.)Kennedy's disease generally first appear when the person is aged between 30 and 50 years. The disease progresses slowly, and life expectancy is usually normal. Kennedy's disease is also known as X-linked spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). There is no cure, and treatment can only ease some of the symptoms.
Kennedy Disease Symptoms
The many symptoms of Kennedy's disease can include:
- Swallowing difficulties.
- Speech difficulties.
- Hand tremors.
- Shaky muscles when holding certain postures.
- Muscle weakness.
- Muscle wastage.
- Muscle twitches.
- Muscle cramps and spasms.
- Enlarged calf muscles due to constant cramping.
- Localised areas of numbness.
- Absent reflexes, such as the foot remaining still when the tendon beneath the kneecap is tapped.
- Enlarged breast tissue (gynaecomastia).
- Impotence.
- Low sperm count.
- Shrunken testicles.
- Reduced sex drive.
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