Myotonic muscular dystrophy is a common multi-system disorder that affects the skeletal muscles (the muscles that move the limbs and trunk) as well as smooth muscles (the muscles that control the digestive system) and cardiac muscles of the heart.

Who is most affected by myotonic dystrophy?

DM is the most common muscular dystrophy among adults of European ancestry. The prevalence of DM is about 10 cases per 100,000 individuals. Among nonwhite populations, DM1 is uncommon or rare.

Does myotonic dystrophy affect a certain ethnic group?

Affected Populations

DM1 is estimated to affect about 1 in 8,000-20,000 people in the general population. However, the prevalence of DM1 and DM2 vary greatly among different countries and different ethnic groups. The incidence of DM2 is higher in Germany and Finland.