Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation to Host Regional Conference in Palo Alto, California

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) will host a regional conference in Palo Alto, California, on April 25, 2026, bringing together individuals affected by myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), their families, and leading medical experts. The one-day event, held in partnership with Stanford University, aims to provide the DM community with the latest research updates and expert insights.

Conference Details

The conference will be held at the Li Ka Shing Building on the Stanford University campus, located at 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305. Registration is now open for community members.

About Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is a chronic, progressive genetic disorder that affects the muscles and other organ systems. Symptoms can vary widely but often include muscle weakness, myotonia (prolonged muscle contractions), cataracts, and cardiac complications. The disease impacts individuals of all ages and can significantly affect quality of life.

Conference Program

The agenda will feature sessions from DM experts, updates about DM research, and community panel discussions. MDF emphasizes the event’s focus on building a robust program tailored to the needs of those living with DM1 and their support networks.

Stanford University’s Role in DM Research

The partnership with Stanford University underscores the institution’s prominent role in DM1 research. Dr. John Day, a professor of neurology, pediatrics, and pathology at Stanford University, and the Director of Neuromuscular Medicine, has over 30 years of experience diagnosing and caring for patients of all ages with DM. His lab has identified the genetic cause of several neuromuscular disorders, including myotonic dystrophy type 2, and continues to study all forms of myotonic dystrophy. Research at Stanford also focuses on the central nervous system features of neuromuscular disorders and the development of novel treatments, including antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapies.

Event Partnership

MDF is thrilled to be hosting this event in partnership with Stanford University, an key hub for DM research.