Which condition is characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of muscles?

The condition characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of muscles is muscular dystrophy. This is a group of genetic disorders that lead to the gradual deterioration of muscle tissue, progressively weakening the muscles over time. Muscular dystrophy affects the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for movement, and can also impact cardiac and smooth muscles depending on the specific type of dystrophy. This degeneration is due to a lack of the protein dystrophin which is important in maintaining muscle cell integrity.

Understanding muscular dystrophy is essential in the context of muscle disorders because it not only highlights the genetic aspect of muscle degeneration but also emphasizes the progressive nature of the condition. Early symptoms often include difficulty in walking or running, and as the disorder advances, it can lead to significant mobility challenges.

In contrast, myopathy refers to a broader category of muscle disorders that also involves muscle weakness but does not specifically denote the progressive degeneration characteristic of muscular dystrophies. Atrophy refers to muscle wasting or loss of muscle mass, which is a potential consequence of various diseases or lack of use, rather than a specific condition leading to weakness. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, which occurs due to aging rather than a primary degenerative muscle disease.