Webinar Series 2026 Recording: Duchenne and the Brain, Why Mental Health, Cognition and Neurodiversity Matters

Duchenne and the Brain, Why Mental Health, Cognition and Neurodiversity Matters

For Mental Health Awareness Week, we are looking beyond the muscles to explore the neurological side of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We are joined by Professor Francesco Muntoni to discuss the critical role dystrophin plays in the brain and how it shapes the lived experience of neurodiversity within the Duchenne community.

DMD is a multisystemic condition and understanding its impact on the brain is essential for providing holistic support. This session dives into the science of the brain, the latest research from the BIND study and what these findings mean for learning and behaviour.

Key topics covered in this webinar:

• The Brain-Dystrophin Connection: An introduction to how dystrophin functions within the brain and why its absence impacts more than just physical strength.
• Beyond the Muscles: A shift in perspective on why DMD should be understood as a neurological and cognitive condition as much as a physical one.
• The BIND Study Insights: A deeo dive into the latest findings from the BIND project, exploring how research is changing our understanding of the Duchenne brain.
• Isoforms and Learning: Understanding specific dystrophin isoforms and their direct impact on cognition and neurodivergent traits.

This webinar is an essential resource for families, educators and clinicians who want to better support the cognitive and emotional wellbeing of those living with Duchenne.

Find out more about the upcoming webinars in our 2026 series and more about our ongoing work, in-person events and how you can get involved in our monthly newsletter.

We can support you and your family wherever you are in your journey. If you’d like one of our Support Team to contact you, let us know here and we will be in touch. You can also find out more about our monthly support groups and our group counselling programme.