Genetic disorders are varied and can affect both men and women alike. For men, however, there are some genetic disorders for which a greater risk is held and, often, women are not affected. Kennedy’s disease, a progressive genetic disorder of the nervous system, typically affects men and is often not diagnosed until mid adulthood.
Sometimes referred to as spinal bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy’s disease, is a genetic disorder that results in the progressive deterioration of the physical, emotional, and mental health of the man who suffers from the condition. With early onset of tremors, many men are often not diagnosed with the genetic complication until such time as the condition begins to progress, affecting the movement of the arms and legs.
Overtime, in men who live with Kennedy’s disease, there will be some impairment in speech, swallowing, and breathing as these functions are also controlled by the area of the brain that is affected by this genetic disorder. In some cases, when this complication arises, men with this condition are misdiagnosed as having Lou Gehrig’s disease as the symptoms can be very similar. It is only with genetic testing that a true diagnosis can be obtained.
There is no cure for Kennedy’s disease. The most beneficial way in which this condition is treated is through early diagnosis and detection with genetic testing, followed by the collaboration of a healthcare team who can manage the variety of health care complications that arise. For most men, the long term use of medications will be necessary in addition to the use of aggressive physical therapy to avoid the progression reduction in muscle strength. Over time, however, it is anticipated the complication will continue to worsen, ultimately leading to the need for long term care or home health care services.
If you are a man who is living with tremors or complications involving your motor skills, it may be prudent to ask your doctor about the testing for a genetic disorder. When the genetic testing reveals your condition is related to spinal bulbar muscular atrophy, you are carrying a condition more commonly known as Kennedy’s disease for which careful health management plans should be developed.
Sources: The Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders, vol. 1, pp. 463-464.
