Distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 is an ailment that has no permanent cure. It is an inherited condition that begins in infancy and is characterized by muscle weakness that ultimately results in respiratory failure. Distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 is often diagnosed between the ages of six weeks and six months; the child diagnosed with this condition, unfortunately, doesn’t survive for more than two years owing to the respiratory issues it faces. This condition arises when the child inherits two copies of a broken gene from each parent, and this broken gene acts as a hindrance in allowing the body to create proteins, without which the cells controlling the muscles die. Children diagnosed with distal spinal muscular atrophy are often at risk of developing further complications, and the very fact that the condition doesn’t have positive prognosis is indicative of its severity. As mentioned earlier, distal spinal muscular atrophy type 1 cannot be cured. However, certain steps can be taken to ensure that the child diagnosed won’t face a lot of predicament. Choose the best for your child You have to come to terms with the fact that your child would not be leading a normal life like other children, and would require constant medical attention.

A progressive genetic disorder, spinal muscular atrophy or SMA is a condition that affects the muscles and the nervous system.  The muscles are controlled by the nerve cells which are in the spinal cord. This fact accounts for the name of the condition i.e spinal muscular atrophy. The condition is rare and is commonly found to affect babies. Spinal muscular atrophy can cause the muscles to become weak and shrink, thus, making it difficult to control movements of the head, sit without taking help, walk, and much more. There are four types of spinal muscular atrophy. The seriousness of the condition and the symptoms will greatly depend upon the type. While the first 3 types are common during the first years of one’s life, type 4 is a possibility upon reaching adulthood. Type 4 of spinal muscular atrophy comes with symptoms that include twitching, breathing issues, and muscle weakness. The symptoms stay throughout one’s life, however, the impact can be controlled. The life expectancy for type 4 spinal muscular atrophy is much longer than with the other types. Patients can live a long and fulfilling life that may be further enhanced through certain practices. Here are 3 measures that can increase the life expectancy of people with Type 4 spinal muscular atrophy and lessen the effects of the symptoms.