How is muscular dystrophy best described?

Muscular dystrophy is best described as a genetic disease causing progressive degeneration of muscle fibers. This condition is characterized by the gradual weakening and wasting away of muscle tissue, which is primarily caused by genetic mutations that interfere with the production of proteins necessary for healthy muscle structure and function. Over time, individuals with muscular dystrophy experience increasing difficulty in movement, and the condition can vary significantly in terms of severity and age of onset.

The key aspect of muscular dystrophy is its genetic basis, which differentiates it from other disorders that may affect muscle performance. Unlike autoimmune diseases, which involve the immune system attacking the body's own tissues, muscular dystrophy stems from inherited genetic mutations. The degeneration of muscle fibers leads to specific symptoms, and patients typically show a progressive decline in muscle function over their lifetime, reinforcing the classification of the condition as progressive in nature.