Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most commonly acquired myopathy in patients over the age of 50. Symptoms of inclusion body myositis progress more slowly than the other types of myositis with weakness increasing gradually, sometimes over years. Some of the first signs are falling, difficulty getting up from a chair, and weakened grip. Muscles most often affected are those at the front of the thighs, those that elevate the feet, and those in the hips, fingers, wrists, upper arms, shoulders, neck, and back. Many IBM patients notice shrinking (atrophy) in the arms and thighs as the muscles become weaker. Trouble swallowing, or dysphagia, is a common problem for patients as well. There is no cure for any of the types of myositis and no approved treatment for IBM patients at this time.
Support our annual end of summer fundraising appeal! Thanks to the generosity of the Bill M. & Cecile Autrey Ham Charitable Foundation, all October Giving Opportunity donations will be MATCHED, up to a total of $30,000 now through October 31st! Your gift and the foundation’s matching contribution will be earmarked specifically for TMA’s Inclusion Body Myositis Research Fund and used to fund innovative science through research projects supporting learning of and progress for inclusion body myositis.
Don’t wait! Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to have campaign gifts matched as we work to facilitate a cure for myositis.