English
SpanishSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic condition characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, mainly affecting motor function, but often also causing speaking, swallowing, and breathing problems, along with other symptoms.
SMA affects each person differently, depending on the type and severity of the disease, so living well with SMA will mean something different to every patient. But there are many strategies patients and caregivers can use to potentially overcome some of the day-to-day obstacles associated with the disease and maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health to the fullest extent possible.
Having an experienced, multidisciplinary healthcare team that manages treatment plans and helps improve quality of life with recommendations for proper nutrition and exercise, as well as support for emotional and mental health, also can go a long way toward ensuring a patient with SMA can live their best life.
Treating this disease involves more than just managing the symptoms. Patients and caregivers must find a balance between life and life with SMA. Navigating the world as a disabled person has its own set of differences and solutions.
