Disease Management

Pain and DM2

A father and son living with myotonic dystrophy type 2 describe the unique pain they experience with this disease.

Managing Sleepiness & Sleep Disturbances in Myotonic Dystrophy - 2023 MDF Annual Conference

Presented on September 8th, 2023.

John Day, MD, PhD
Stanford University

This session will cover sleepiness and other sleep disturbance considerations for both DM1 and DM2. Learn from a leading expert about sleepiness, and other sleep disturbances related to DM1 and DM2, best practices for care, monitoring, and self-management. Learn also about the latest research and how you can get involved!

Click here to learn more about the 2023 MDF Annual Conference.

Ask-the-Expert: Myotonic Dystrophy & Palliative Care

Presented on July 15, 2022.

Do you have questions for DM doctors and therapists? Join a leading medical or research professional for an “Ask-the-Expert” session on DM & Palliative Care with Shauna Gibbons, MD, an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Palliative Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Speakers to include:

Shauna Gibbons, MD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Palliative Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her current work focuses on expanding ambulatory palliative medicine at the University of Kansas Health System to serve a wider range of serious illnesses including pulmonary and neurological diseases. She is a core faculty member in the Internal Medicine Residency program with a focus in diversity, equity, and inclusion. She received her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, then completed an Internal Medicine residency and Palliative Medicine fellowship at the University of Kansas. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband and dog.

Click here to find all our upcoming “Ask-the-Expert” question sessions!

DM2: Disease Development, Symptoms, & Management

Originally presented on September 10th. 2021 as a part of the DM2 Track at the 2021 Virtual MDF Annual Conference.

Learn about genetic factors causing DM2, the different body systems affected, the most common symptoms, and how best to manage and provide care for the disease from a leading expert. Appropriate for newly diagnosed and those living with DM2 for many years.

Speakers include:

  • Johanna Hamel, MD
  • Lindsey Baker, PT
  • Araya Pwanant, MD

DM1: Disease Development, Symptoms, & Management

Originally presented on September 10th, 2021 as a part of the DM1 Track at the 2021 Vitual MDF Annual Conference.

Learn about genetic factors causing DM1, the different body systems affected, the most common symptoms, and how best to manage and provide care for the disease from a leading expert. Appropriate for newly diagnosed and those living with DM1 for many years.

Presented by Jacinda Sampson, MD, PhD.

Acceptance & Commitment: Strategies for Good Mental Health

Originally presented on September 10th,2021 as a part of the Caregivers & Self-care Track at the 2021 Virtual MDF Annual Conference.

Life with DM can contribute to emotional and mental stressors. This session focuses on strategies and tools for maintaining good mental health, and an explanation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how it can be applied by individuals living with DM and their families.

Presented by Christopher D. Graham, PhD, DClinPsychol.