McArdle's Disease, Muscle Weakness of the Elderly

With age, there is an increased risk for certain health conditions that are typically seen among the elderly population. Beyond these typical health complications, there is also an increased risk for developing conditions that are considered rare and traditionally develop during adolescence and childhood. If you, or someone you love, is living with a rare health condition known as McArdle's disease, it is important to understand how this condition may affect the elderly adult in a unique manner when late onset occurs.

McArdle's disease is an enzyme related health complication that most often affects children and adolescents. In very rare cases, the enzyme disorder may manifest later in life, even into last onset beyond age 65. When developed in these later years, the complication is often misdiagnosed as some other type of neurological health complication leading to progressive muscle weakness. While there are many health complications that may mimic the symptoms of McArdle's disease, there are few that come with the combination of symptoms that include camps, second wind recovery complications in addition to muscular atrophy.

For senior adults, the development of McArdle's disease can lead to significant weakness which will impair quality of life. While most senior adults do not engage in extensive physical activity, the profound effect of McArdle's disease is not realized as it would be in a child or teenager. However, with age, the natural loss of energy, when coupled with McArdle's disease can lead to secondary health complications involving cardiovascular disease and even the development of secondary psychological disorders.