What is MJD?
MJD stands for Machado-Joseph Disease and is also know as Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3). MJD an inherited gene defect and is a progressive disease meaning symptoms get worse over time. MJD causes damage to part of the brain called the cerebellum and brainstem. This damage initially causes muscular weakness and progresses over time to a total lack of voluntary control and very significant permanent physical disability.
One of MJD's main symptoms is ataxia. Ataxia is a general term meaning lack of muscle control or coordination. MJD is characterised by a slow progressive clumsiness in the arms and legs, a staggering lurching gait that can be mistaken for drunkenness, difficulty with speech and swallowing, impaired eye movements and lower limb spasticity. One progresses to being wheelchair bound, unable to do the simple activities of daily living and needing fulltime care.
Life expectancy ranges from the mid-30s for those with the most severe forms of early onset MJD to a nearly normal life expectancy for those with mild, late onset forms. The cause of death for those who die early from the disease is often aspiration pneumonia.
There is no cure for MJD!
For more facts about MJD follow our Facebook or Instagram pages where every Friday we'll share one fact with you.
Or visit the MJD Foundation website
See buttons below
MJD stands for Machado-Joseph Disease and is also know as Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3). MJD an inherited gene defect and is a progressive disease meaning symptoms get worse over time. MJD causes damage to part of the brain called the cerebellum and brainstem. This damage initially causes muscular weakness and progresses over time to a total lack of voluntary control and very significant permanent physical disability.
One of MJD's main symptoms is ataxia. Ataxia is a general term meaning lack of muscle control or coordination. MJD is characterised by a slow progressive clumsiness in the arms and legs, a staggering lurching gait that can be mistaken for drunkenness, difficulty with speech and swallowing, impaired eye movements and lower limb spasticity. One progresses to being wheelchair bound, unable to do the simple activities of daily living and needing fulltime care.
Life expectancy ranges from the mid-30s for those with the most severe forms of early onset MJD to a nearly normal life expectancy for those with mild, late onset forms. The cause of death for those who die early from the disease is often aspiration pneumonia.
There is no cure for MJD!
For more facts about MJD follow our Facebook or Instagram pages where every Friday we'll share one fact with you.
Or visit the MJD Foundation website
See buttons below
| Frequently Asked Questions.pdf |
Another great resource is this Frequently Asked Questions document which goes through all things MJD. If you have a medical background you may also like reading this document.