(also Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
What is Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurons) that control the muscles degenerate and die. MND is a slowly progressive disease in that it gets steadily worse over time. MND causes increasing disability due to muscular weakness, generally without mental impairment or incontinence. There are different types of MND, with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) being the most common form.
MND is uncommon but not rare. Recent statistics estimate there are around 2,800 people in Australia currently diagnosed with MND. Every day in Australia, two people are diagnosed with MND, and two people die from the disease. The average age of onset is 50.
Symptoms
Early symptoms are mild and include muscle wasting, muscle weakness, fasciculations (muscle twitching), difficulty swallowing and with speech, muscle cramps and spasms. In some cases, symptoms are widespread from the start, but in most instances, the disease starts in a localised fashion, becoming more generalised as it progresses.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Patterns of weakness, the rate and pattern of progression and survival time are also variable. There is no single test for MND, which makes diagnosis difficult. Because of this, diagnosis may take some time. Diagnosis can be assisted by a range of tests, some of which rule out other conditions, e.g., nerve conduction tests. The causes of MND are not yet known, but this is the subject of ongoing worldwide research. Most cases occur spontaneously, though some are hereditary (about 10%).
Treatment
There are a range of treatments for MND aimed at reducing the symptoms and improving the quality of life for people with the condition. A person with MND will usually require assistance from several health care professionals, including a GP, neurologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech pathologist, psychologist, home care nurse and social worker. Treatment requires an integrated, multidisciplinary approach. Most patients with MND experience little or no pain.
Outlook
There is currently no cure or way to prevent MND, but worldwide research is providing encouraging results. Survival time can vary significantly between individuals, but the average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years from diagnosis. In most cases, intellect and memory are not affected by MND, nor are the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and sensation.
Recent Research
2025 – Understanding how aging contributes to ALS – Dr Anthony Cutrupi – Read more >
2025 – Understanding ALS Brain Activity to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment – Dr Mehdi Van den Bos – Read more >
2024 – Using spinal cords-in-a-dish to test new drug candidates for motor neuron disease – Dr Leon Larcher – Read more >
2023 – The Role of Clinical, Electrophysiological, Molecular, and Imaging Biomarkers in the Management of Motor Neuronopathies in Adults – Dr Aicee Calma – Read more >
2022 – High-resolution imaging of protein clumps in frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease – Dr Adekunle Bademosi – Read more >
Further Information and Support
- Dr Frederik Steyn: What is Motor Neurone Disease? (YouTube Webinar) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpM-1eK4ZQ
- MND Australia – https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/
- FightMND – https://fightmnd.org.au/
- Motor Neurone Disease in Australia (AIHW) – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/neurological-conditions/mnd
Reviewed by Dr Dominic Rowe, PhD FRACP, Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Australia
DISCLAIMER: The information provided is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient / site visitor and his / her existing health care professionals.
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