Which disability is known to be degenerative and often results in death during adolescence or early adulthood?

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. The most recognized type, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), begins in early childhood, typically between the ages of 3 and 6, and is known for its rapid progression.

As the condition develops, individuals often experience significant muscle weakness, which affects mobility and can lead to complications such as scoliosis, respiratory issues, and cardiac problems. Sadly, the degeneration of muscle tissue severely impacts vital functions, and many individuals with DMD do not survive beyond their late teens to early twenties as a result of these complications.

In contrast, other conditions listed, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, are not typically degenerative in nature. While they can lead to significant physical challenges, they do not inherently progress to the same extent or have the same life-limiting impacts associated with muscular dystrophy. Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition causing intellectual disability and developmental delays, also has a different trajectory of symptoms and outcomes that do not typically lead to early mortality. Therefore, muscular dystrophy is specifically recognized for its degenerative characteristics and associated life expectancy issues during adolescence or early adulthood.