Motor neurone disease is a progressive disease of the nerves in the spinal cord and brain. As it progresses it leaves patients unable to move but mentally alert. Research is continuing to discover the cause and to find medicines that can improve the lives of patients with this devastating disease.
Disease: Motor Neurone Disease
Last update: July 2009
Intro
FAQ
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What is it?
Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a fatal, progressive disease of certain nerves (called motor nerves) in the spine and brain. As the nerves die, sufferers gradually lose the ability to dress, feed themselves, sit up or even speak. However, they stay mentally alert.
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Who gets it?
MND is 20 per cent more common in men than women. It occurs between the ages of 40 and 70. Some 50,000 Europeans are estimated to have MND at any one time.
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What can be done about it?
The cause is unknown. Until recently, treatment was aimed at relieving the symptoms and maintaining the quality of life. In 1995, the fist treatment to alter the course of the disease was introduced. But, other medicines are urgently needed.
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What does the future hold?
A variety of compounds which help prevent cell death are being investigated. Researchers are beginning to understand why and how nerve cells die. This knowledge may, in time, lead to new medicines for this devastating disease.