Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare, degenerative nervous system condition that affects approximately 1 in 11,434 Australians.
Motor neurone disease is an uncommon condition that mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages. It's caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. These cells gradually stop working over time.
There is a 1 in 300 risk of getting MND across a lifetime. It can affect adults of any age, but is more likely to affect people over 50.
However about 10% of cases are inherited (familial) and the genetic fault of about 60% of these cases is now known in Australian families. The risk of developing MND over a lifetime is about 1 in 300 people, with the risk increasing steadily with age (Martin S, Al Khleifat A and Al-Chalabi A.
MND is uncommon but not rare. Recent statistics estimate there are over 2,000 people in Australia currently diagnosed with MND and every day 2 Australians are diagnosed with MND. The average age of onset is 50.
Nutrients. There is some evidence that motor neurones become more likely to develop MND because of a lack of nutrients. One form of such nutrients is a group of chemicals called 'neurotrophic factors' (meaning 'nerve nourishing factors').
The causes of MND are unknown, but worldwide research includes studies on: exposure to viruses. exposure to certain toxins and chemicals. genetic factors. inflammation and damage to neurons caused by an immune system response.
Researchers have hypothesized that vigorous physical activity might increase exposure to environmental toxins, facilitate the transport of toxins to the brain, increase the absorption of toxins, or increase the athlete''''s susceptibility to motor neuron disease through added physical stress.
Motor neurone is the world's third most common neuro-degenerative disorder and is more commonly seen in older people. Video Player is loading. This is a modal window.
Certain dietary factors, such as higher intake of antioxidants and vitamin E, have been shown, at least in some studies, to decrease the risk of MND. Interestingly, increased physical fitness and lower body mass index (BMI) have been shown to be associated with a higher risk of MND.
There is strong evidence that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of motor neurone disease (MND).
Many of the people we talked to had been experiencing symptoms for months or even years before finally getting a diagnosis. Some lived with their symptoms for a long time before deciding to go to their GP, perhaps putting them down to stress, old age, or injury. (See 'First symptoms of MND').
MND is not a common disease. It affects adults and sometimes younger adults. You are likely to be more than 40 years old at diagnosis, and most people with MND are aged between 50 and 70. Men are affected almost twice as often as women, but this varies.
A person with MND will usually die between two to three years after diagnosis, but this can vary from person to person.
In about two-thirds of people with MND, the first symptoms are in the arm or leg. This is sometimes called limb-onset disease. The symptoms include: a weakened grip, which can cause problems picking up or holding objects.
Inherited MND affects up to 1 in 10 people with MND and means they probably have a family history of the disease. Where this is the case, it is impossible to predict when or if a family history means MND will happen. Other triggers may still be needed for the disease to begin.
Symptoms. The different types of MND cause similar symptoms and have three stages: early, middle, and advanced. The diseases progress at different speeds and vary in severity.
The research from the University of Sheffield, published in the journal EBioMedicine, suggests a causal relationship between exercise and MND, with high intensity physical activity likely to contribute to motor neurone injury in people who have a predisposing genetic profile.
There are treatments that can help people with MND, but there is no cure. It can reduce life expectancy significantly and eventually leads to death. The condition gradually worsens over time, and things like moving around, swallowing, and breathing become more difficult.
You are considered at risk with COVID-19 if you have a chronic neurological disease, such as motor neurone disease (MND). New strains of COVID-19: these pass on more easily, but are not thought to cause a higher risk of complications.
MND can be initially misdiagnosed as a stroke, but the progression of symptoms should prompt reconsideration, and emphasises the importance of follow up.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neuron Disease
These muscles are responsible for performing movements under one's will and thus, motor neuron diseases affect one's ability to perform voluntary movements. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system.
There is no single diagnostic test for MND. Diagnosis is based on features in the clinical history and examination, usually accompanied by electrophysiological tests, which will include EMG and nerve conduction studies. Other tests may include: MRI scanning of the brain and spinal cord.