DEAR DR. ROACH: I have two boys diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. I am looking everywhere for some help, but can’t seem to find anything. Is there a cure? — F.I.I. ANSWER: There are many types of muscular dystrophy. Some start in childhood; others later in life. The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are a diverse […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 18-year-old niece has Friedreich’s ataxia and is getting used to living in her dorm but requires a walker or wheelchair to get around. We know that there isn’t a cure or really any treatment outside of some potential drug trials and that the long-term prognosis is dire. But could a CRISPR […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My stepfather had a series of screening tests done by a commercial company, including tests on his carotid arteries, abdominal aorta, peripheral arteries and heart rhythm. He received a good report. However, two or three weeks after the screening, he suffered a stroke. My confidence in the screening program was shaken! How […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My grandson suffers from misophonia. He is unable to attend school or be in the same room as anyone eating. He runs away when someone clears their throat or coughs. As a result, he is totally isolated and has no friends. He is soon to be 16 years old and is home-schooled. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 67-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, currently treated with Prolia injections. I also previously took Fosamax for four years. I must have a tooth extracted due to a crack in the root, and my dentist wants me to forgo the Prolia treatment due to risk of osteonecrosis. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 77-year-old aunt, who is in good health, had an endoscopy and was told that her stomach biopsy was positive for H. pylori. She was treated for 14 days. After a month, a breathing test showed no signs of H. pylori. However, I read her biopsy report, and it showed “secondary interstitial […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 70-year-old active female in good health, with the exception of a heart murmur and mitral valve prolapse with two leaks. My cardiologist has advised me that I will most likely need to have the valve replaced. I have been seeing him every six months for an echocardiogram and a […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 76 years old and have had a bone density test every two years for the past 12 years at the recommendation of my physician. Every test has shown bone loss in my left hip, which is the result of a childhood case of polio. My physician has also pressed me […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My sister is getting chemo for breast cancer, and her 4-year-old is due for his shots. She’s worried that he won’t be able to get them all because of her treatment. Our parents are unsure if they should go ahead and get the shingles vaccine since they are around her often. What […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 67-year-old estate planning attorney. Last year I had back surgery and experienced substantial cognitive impairment immediately after. It has been over a year, and I have recovered perhaps 80% of my prior mental function. I would appreciate your thoughts on this issue, as many of my elderly clients have […]