subject: Muscular Dystrophy FAQs And Canadian Disability Tax Credit Benefits [print this page] Muscular Dystrophy FAQs And Canadian Disability Tax Credit Benefits
What is muscular dystrophy?
It is a genetic disorder which causes weakening of muscles. To put it literally, it means "faulty nutrition of muscles". It results in degeneration of the various muscle tissues; the healthy muscle tissues are progressively substituted by tough fibrous tissues and useless fat deposits. However, it must not be confused with diseases like multiple sclerosis, in which the nerves are affected.
What are the causes of muscular dystrophy?
The disease is chiefly hereditary in character. The first case to be documented in this respect happens to be in the year 1830. Different forms of MD are inherited in different ways. It is said to be associated with sex; x-chromosomes are known to carry this horrendous disease. Therefore, in males, if the gene is altered, it may cause this disease. In women having 2 x-chromosomes, there must be an alteration of both the chromosomes for this disease to occur. Many researchers are of the opinion that it can be caused as a result of CNS (Central Nervous System) malfunctioning.
How severe can this diseasebe?
The rigorousness of the disease depends significantly on the kind of MD one suffers from. For instance Duchenne's disease can be very severe and it often leads to death. Usually, the most severe cases crop up during the upbringing years; however, it can even occur when one crosses the age of forty. On the other hand, Becker dystrophy is one of the less severe types. Life risk is comparatively lower though there will be health issues as and when the disease advances.
How does it affect the life of the patient?
The children who are suffering from this disease can have their growth affected. Since muscles are required to stretch along with the growth of bones and one suffering from muscular dystrophy cannot have the privilege that way, it results in continued weakness and pain. The victim experiences trouble in movement; it may happen that he or she cannot move altogether without support. The degree to which the disease affect's a patient's life depends upon the kind of MD he or she suffers from. Most forms of MD are multi-system disorders; that is to say that the disease often manifests itself in different systems of bodily activities and organs like, nervous system, heart, bran, endocrine glands, eyes, skin and gastro-intestinal system.
Is there any disability tax credit benefits associated with it?
There are disability tax credit benefits, tax credits and grants made available to MD disabled people by the Canadian government. It is however not always easy to obtain these benefits. At the Canadian Disability Corporation, the process is made simple so that you can acquire every dollar possible. Moreover, it is ensured that you are registered with other plans such as RDSP. Moreover, there is a free Online Eligibility Assessment program to help you understand where you stand.
