Nerve cells (neurones) control the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow. Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which these neurones fail to work normally. Muscles then gradually weaken and waste, as neurones degenerate and die.
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Motor function
Motor function is controlled by the upper motor neurones in the brain that descend to the spinal cord; these neurones activate lower motor neurones. The lower motor neurones exit the spinal cord and directly activate muscles.
With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste. Motor neurone disease (MND) can affect a person’s ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. Watch the video
What is MND? to find out more.
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MND and ALS
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to the group of diseases in which the motor neurones undergo degeneration and die. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA), Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) are all subtypes of motor neurone disease.
Although MND is the widely used generic term in the United Kingdom, Australia and parts of Europe, ALS is used more generically in the United States, Canada and South America.
MND is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease in the US after a famous baseball player who died of the disease.
Frequently Asked Question
What remains unaffected by MND?
For most people with MND the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch are not affected.
Bladder and bowel
The bladder is not usually directly affected by MND; however, some people experience changes to bladder control. Constipation can occur, especially when people become less mobile or have to change their diet due to swallowing difficulties.
Cognitive and behaviour changes
In the past, it was thought that MND only affected the nerve cells controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow. However, approximately 50% of people with MND may experience some change in cognition, language, behaviour and personality. When cognitive and behaviour changes occur in MND, it is because there have been changes in specific areas of the brain called the frontal and temporal lobes. Most people experience relatively mild changes. However, a small proportion (5–15%) will show more significant changes and will receive a diagnosis of ‘motor neurone disease with frontotemporal dementia’ or MND/FTD. Often the symptoms of dementia precede the motor symptoms, sometimes by a number of years.
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Cognitive and Behaviour Changes