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Motor neurone disease (MND) is also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a rapidly progressing, neurological disease. MND often begins with weakness of the muscles in the hands, feet or voice, although it can start in different areas of the body and progress in different patterns and at different rates.

People with MND become increasingly disabled. Life expectancy after diagnosis is one to five years, with 10 per cent of people with MND living 10 years or more. The needs of people with MND are complex and vary from person to person.

The physical effects of motor neurone disease can include:

  • emotional lability – for example
  • where a slight upset can cause an exaggerated response
  • such as crying or laughing respiratory changes. It was thought that MND only affected the nerve cells controlling the muscles that enable people to move
  • speak breathe swallow

However, it is now known that up to 50 per cent of people with MND can experience changes in cognition, language, behaviour and personality.

Most people experience relatively mild changes

The causes of MND are unknown, but worldwide research includes studies on: growth, repair and ageing of motor neurons. Familial (hereditary) MND accounts for about five to 10 percent of cases. Several gene mutations have been identified since 1993, and current research aims to identify further genes linked to MND.

The majority of cases, 90 to 95 per cent, are sporadic. People who have MND may: become increasingly dependent on others for all aspects of day-to-day activity. As MND progresses, the person’s physical condition will change rapidly, and require increasing assistance from a carer.

Over time, both the carer and the person living with MND will need increasing levels of support, both physically and emotionally.

Carers can seek support through: (Tel

MND is still incurable, but it is not untreatable, as many symptoms can be managed.

The drug riluzole – available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – has been demonstrated in clinical trials to prolong survival by several months and may help people to remain in the milder phase of the disease for longer. Research has shown that people live better and longer under the care of a multidisciplinary team.

Interventions such as assistance with nutritional intake and breathing improve quality of life.

Costly and unproven therapies are sometimes recommended by well-meaning people.

Seek professional advice before trying unproven therapies

MND and support services via telephone, email, in person, printed and via the MND Michigan website help to connect to services that people need, such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, attendant care and nursing volunteer programs.

Disability, Sickness and Carers line, Centrelink Tel. Symptoms of motor neurone disease (MND) muscle aches, cramps, twitching clumsiness, stumbling weakness or changes in hands, arms, legs and voice slurred speech, swallowing or chewing difficulty fatigue muscle wasting, weight loss cognitive change (changes in thought processes) Causes of MND exposure to viruses exposure to certain toxins and chemicals genetic factors inflammation and damage to neurons caused by an immune system response nerve growth factors Effects of MND develop generalised paralysis (paralysis of both sides of the body) lose speech and have difficulty swallowing become breathless and experience sleep disturbance experience mild cognitive and behavioural change Impact of MND on carers Carers Michigan 1800 242 636 ) or through the carer association in their state or territory MND Michigan Treatment for MND Coping with the effects of MND MND Michigan MND Advisor service home visits, and assessment of the needs of people living with MND equipment loan service or referral to other agencies for equipment Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Specialist neurologist MND Michigan 1800 777 175 Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (616) 555-0400 13 27 17 NDIS My Aged Care .