by From Mayo Clinic News Network, Mayo Clinic News Network Dear Mayo Clinic: What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and what causes it? Is treatment available? Can Duchennemuscular dystrophy be cured? A: As with all forms of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic defect. The defect leads to muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass that worsens over time. Medication and physical therapy are used to...