August is spinal muscular atrophy month

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy awareness month. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease that targets the neurons in the spinal cord that controls muscles. As a result, muscles weaken prematurely. As of right now, there is not a cure for this disease but with research, one day there hopefully will be.

There are four types of SMA. Anyone can get SMA at any given time.  The type generally has to do with when the onset takes place. If a baby is diagnosed before or shortly after birth (within the first year,) the prognosis isn’t the best. The muscles weaken a lot faster.

If the diagnosis occurs later in childhood or early adulthood, life expectancy increases. Spinal fusion helps the person breathe by helping the lungs have proper space to function. Mobility devices also assist in dealing with SMA and help shape a better quality of life.

People with SMA have above average intelligence, normal sensation and normal behavior as a person without SMA. Research says that people with SMA have a positive outlook and live a satisfactory life.

Please help research going for SMA by donation. With research, hopefully one day there will be a cure.


Jessica's Outlook