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 those nerve cells that control muscles, and their degeneration leads to weakness and wasting of muscles. Such wasting generally occurs in arms or legs initially, some groups of muscles being affected more than others.

Some people with a particular type of MND may develop weakness and wasting in the muscles supplying the throat with consequent speech problems and difficulty chewing and swallowing.

MND does not affect touch, taste, sight, smell or hearing. In the vast majority of cases the intellect remains unaffected. Its cause remains unknown and there is at the moment, no cure.

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

Approximately one in 50,000 will develop MND in any one year, with over 5,000 people with MND in the UK at any one time. It is an illness of adulthood generally affecting people over the age of 50.
[boxibt style=”success”]Information Courtesy of Motor Neurone Disease Association

PO Box 246
Northampton NN1 2PR

Tel: 01604 250505
Fax: 01604 638289
Helpline: 08457 626262

Email: enquiries@mndassociation.org
For Further information visit the website:
www.mndassociation.org[/boxibt]