About MND

It is important to remember that the effects of MND vary from one person to another as does the rate of progression. Being well informed and planning ahead can give the peace of mind necessary to make the best use of the present time, and enable people with MND to achieve quality of life.

What is Motor Neurone Disease?

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of related diseases affecting the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurones are the nerve cells along which the brain sends instructions, in the form of electrical impulses, to the muscles.

Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles. This generally occurs in arms or legs initially, some groups of muscles being affected more than others. Some people may develop weakness and wasting in the muscles supplying the face and throat, causing problems with speech and difficulty chewing and swallowing.

MND does not affect touch, taste, sight, smell or hearing, nor directly bladder, bowel, or sexual functions. In the vast majority of cases, the intellect remains unaffected.

MND is generally a steadily progressive disease, but the rate of progression varies greatly from one person to another.

Who gets MND?

MND is not contagious. It can affect any adult at any age but most people who have MND are over the age of 40 and the highest incidence is in the 50-70 age range. Men are affected slightly more often than women.

The precise figures for the incidence and prevalence of MND are still uncertain. The incidence (that is the number of people who will develop MND in any one year) is approximately 2 per 100,000; the prevalence (the number of people who actually have MND at any one time) is thought to be approx 7 per 100,000. The estimated number of people with MND in the UK is up to 5,000.

How is MND Diagnosed?

There is no specific test for MND and it may be difficult to diagnose with certainty in the early stages of the disease because the pattern of symptoms varies between individuals and may be similar to those seen in other conditions. The neurologist (who usually makes the diagnosis) will probably carry out a number of specialised tests in order to eliminate other conditions as well as giving the person with MND a thorough physical examination in order to confirm the diagnosis.

What causes MND?

The cause of MND is not yet known, but a great deal of research work is being carried out, and encouraging advances are being made in understanding both the disease process and the way motor neurones function.

What can be done to help?

Given that MND is a progressive condition, it is important to plan ahead and find out in advance about the services or equipment which may be needed. A range of professionals are employed by Health and Social Services Departments who can help people with MND and their families to live with the condition.