Dr. Jacinda Sampson describes strategies for ensuring a successful visit to your medical professional.

Dr. Jacinda Sampson describes the importance of, and strategies for, creating a medical team for myotonic dystrophy care.

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

In this session, experts discuss how myotonic dystrophy type 1 & type 2 (DM1 & DM2) impact nutrition and swallowing. Learn about the latest research on these issues and gain practical advice on managing symptoms through dietary planning and adaptive tools that can improve quality of life.

Presenters:

• Carolyn Martinez, M.A., CCC-SLP, Houston Methodist
• Anna Miller, MS, RD, LD, Houston Methodist 

Thank you to our 2025 MDF Conference Sponsors for helping make this event possible:

• Lead Sponsor: Avidity Biosciences
• Diamond Sponsors: Dyne Therapeutics and Arthex Biotech
• Platinum Sponsors: PepGen and Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Gold Sponsor: Sanofi
• Bronze Sponsor: Lupin Neurosciences

Explore our other sessions and read about the incredible 2025 MDF Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana!

This session addresses pain commonly experienced by people with myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2). Learn about both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management options, with a focus on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications, as well as pain relief medications.

Presenters: 

• Laurie Gutmann MD, Indiana University Health
• Shashank J. Dave, DO, Indiana University Health

Thank you to our 2025 MDF Conference Sponsors for helping make this event possible:

• Lead Sponsor: Avidity Biosciences
• Diamond Sponsors: Dyne Therapeutics and Arthex Biotech
• Platinum Sponsors: PepGen and Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Gold Sponsor: Sanofi
• Bronze Sponsor: Lupin Neurosciences

Explore our other sessions and read about the incredible 2025 MDF Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana!

This session provides an essential understanding of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2 (DM2), making it ideal for newly diagnosed individuals and those seeking to refresh their knowledge. Learn about the causes and genetics behind DM2, how the condition affects different systems of the body over time, and strategies for self-managing symptoms and building a strong clinical care team.

Presenter: 

• Johanna Hamel, MD, University of Rochester Medical Center

Thank you to our 2025 MDF Conference Sponsors for helping make this event possible:

• Lead Sponsor: Avidity Biosciences
• Diamond Sponsors: Dyne Therapeutics and Arthex Biotech
• Platinum Sponsors: PepGen and Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Gold Sponsor: Sanofi
• Bronze Sponsor: Lupin Neurosciences

Explore our other sessions and read about the incredible 2025 MDF Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana!

This session provides an essential understanding of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1), making it ideal for newly diagnosed individuals and those seeking to refresh their knowledge. Learn about the causes and genetics behind DM1, how the condition affects different systems of the body over time, and strategies for self-managing symptoms and building a strong clinical care team.

Presenter: 

• Andrea Swenson, MD, University of Iowa Myotonic Dystrophy Clinic

Thank you to our 2025 MDF Conference Sponsors for helping make this event possible:

• Lead Sponsor: Avidity Biosciences
• Diamond Sponsors: Dyne Therapeutics and Arthex Biotech
• Platinum Sponsors: PepGen and Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Gold Sponsor: Sanofi
• Bronze Sponsor: Lupin Neurosciences

Explore our other sessions and read about the incredible 2025 MDF Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana!

This session highlights how occupational therapy (OT) and home health services can improve the daily lives of those living with myotonic dystrophy type1 or type 2 (DM1 or DM2). Experts discuss common mobility and self-care challenges and offer practical solutions through adaptive equipment and environmental modifications.

Presenters:

• Pam Glazener, OTR, ATP, Houston Methodist
• Wendy E. Schell, PT, DPT, MS, CSRS, Houston Methodist

Thank you to our 2025 MDF Conference Sponsors for helping make this event possible:

• Lead Sponsor: Avidity Biosciences
• Diamond Sponsors: Dyne Therapeutics and Arthex Biotech
• Platinum Sponsors: PepGen and Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Gold Sponsor: Sanofi
• Bronze Sponsor: Lupin Neurosciences

Explore our other sessions and read about the incredible 2025 MDF Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana!

Originally presented on July 25th, 2025.

Do you have questions for myotonic dystrophy (DM) doctors and therapists? Watch our Ask-the-Expert: The Seeing DM Clearly. This features Vinod Mootha, MD, a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. 

Register once and you can join any of our 2025 Ask the Expert webinars! Join us at our next Ask the Expert webinar! Click here to find all our upcoming Ask the Expert dates and previously recorded sessions. >>>

Questions or comments? Contact MDF at 415-800-7777 or at info@myotonic.org.

 

 

Thank you to our 2025 Community Education Webinar Series Sponsors, Avidity Biosciences and Dyne Therapeutics!

MDF Resources referenced in this video:

• Toolkits & Publications
• Support Groups
• Calendar of Events
• DM Drug Development Pipeline
• Myotonic Dystrophy Family Registry
• Sign up for My Dispatch, our monthly e-newsletter!
   

About the Expert

Vinod Mootha, MD
Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center

Vinod Mootha, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He earned his medical degree at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin. He then received advanced training in treating corneal and external eye disease and performing keratorefractive surgery through a fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2004. Dr. Mootha has delivered scores of national and international presentations, served as principal investigator for several National Institutes of Health-funded research projects, and published numerous academic articles on corneal transplantation and Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Originally presented on June 20th, 2025.

Do you have questions for myotonic dystrophy (DM) doctors and therapists? Watch our Ask-the-Expert: The Emotional Journey of DM. This features Missy Dixon, PhD, a Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah. 

Register once and you can join any of our 2025 Ask the Expert webinars! Join us at our next Ask the Expert webinar! Click here to find all our upcoming Ask the Expert dates and previously recorded sessions. >>>

Questions or comments? Contact MDF at 415-800-7777 or at info@myotonic.org.

 

 

Thank you to our 2025 Community Education Webinar Series Sponsors, Avidity Biosciences and Dyne Therapeutics!

MDF Resources referenced in this video:

• Myotonic Dystrophy & Mental Health Handbook
• Toolkits & Publications
• Support Groups
• Calendar of Events
• DM Drug Development Pipeline
• Myotonic Dystrophy Family Registry
• 2025 MDF Annual Conference
• Sign up for My Dispatch, our monthly e-newsletter!
   

About the Expert

Missy Dixon, PhD
Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Missy Dixon, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah. She specializes in mental health care for children, adolescents, and young adults with complex medical conditions, including neuromuscular disorders. Her research focuses on cognitive function and central nervous system involvement in muscular dystrophies, integrating neuropsychological assessments, neuroimaging, and patient-reported outcomes. She leads a longitudinal study examining CNS development in children with myotonic dystrophy and investigates key factors influencing quality of life in individuals with muscular dystrophy.