Compared to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy typically has which progression pattern?

• A. Faster than DMD
• B. About the same as DMD
• C. Slower than DMD
• D. Non-progressive

Answer: (C)

Progression rate is influenced by how much dystrophin function remains. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy typically has little or no dystrophin, so muscle degeneration starts early in childhood and progresses quickly, with earlier loss of ambulation and earlier heart and respiratory complications. Becker Muscular Dystrophy, due to mutations that still allow some dystrophin to function, usually presents later and progresses more slowly, with longer preservation of walking and overall slower decline. Therefore, Becker progresses more slowly than Duchenne. The other options don’t fit because they imply no progression, or a faster or similar rate, which isn’t characteristic of Becker.