On the cover: Giovanna Albers of Imperial, Mo., was treated for polymyositis several years ago. After she recovered and stopped taking medication, some residual weakness in her hips and upper arms remained, but she’s been able to walk without aids, swim and work as a restaurant hostess. Dear Friends What are Inflammatory Myopathies? What Causes Inflammatory Myopathies? What are the Forms of Inflammatory Myopathies? Can Inflammatory Myopathies be Cured? How are PM, DM and IBM Diagnosed? What Happens to Someone with Polymyositis? What Happens to Someone with Dermatomyositis? What Happens to Someone with Inclusion-Body Myositis? Microscopic Myositis PM and DM Treatments MDA's Search for Treatments and Cures MDA is Here to Help You

MDA is Here to Help You

The Muscular Dystrophy Association offers a vast array of services to help you and your family deal with PM, DM or IBM. The staff at your local MDA office is there to assist you in many ways. The Association’s services include:

•a nationwide network of hospital-affiliated clinics staffed by top neuromuscular disease specialists
•professionally facilitated support groups for those affected, spouses or other caregivers
•assistance with purchase and repair of wheelchairs, leg braces and augmentative communication devices
•evaluations for physical, occupational and respiratory therapy
•flu shots to help protect the respiratory system
•equipment loan closets

MDA’s public health education program helps you to stay abreast of research news, medical findings and disability information through educational speakers, seminars, videos, newsletters and more. Be sure to ask your local office for some of MDA’s latest publications, including Services for the Individual, Family and Community. Many MDA booklets are available in Spanish.

Everyone registered with MDA also receives Quest, MDA’s award-winning national magazine. Quest publishes detailed articles about research findings; medical and day-to-day care; helpful products and devices; social and family issues; and much more.

If you have any questions about PM, DM or IBM, someone at MDA will help you find the answer.

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