Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
MND is a group of rare, progressive neurological conditions that affect the motor neurons — the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. Over time, these neurons stop working properly, leading to muscle weakness, wasting, and eventually paralysis. The most well-known form of MND is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
MND Overview
Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
Causes
- Genetic mutations – e.g. C9orf72, SOD1 (in 5–10% of cases, often familial)
- Sporadic MND – majority of cases occur with no known family history
- Glutamate toxicity – excess of this neurotransmitter may damage neurons
- Immune system dysfunction – where the body may attack its own neurons
- Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage – affecting nerve cell energy supply
- Environmental exposures (under investigation) – such as toxins, heavy metals, or viral infections
Symptoms
- Progressive muscle weakness (starting in limbs, hands, or speech muscles)
- Fasciculations (muscle twitching)
- Muscle cramps and stiffness
- Slurred speech (dysarthria) or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Weight loss due to muscle wasting
- Breathing difficulties as respiratory muscles weaken
- In some cases: emotional lability (laughing or crying uncontrollably)
Cognitive changes may occur in a minority of cases, sometimes overlapping with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Risk Factors
Can MND be prevented?
There is currently no known way to prevent MND, but early diagnosis and management can improve quality of life:
- Awareness of early symptoms: prompt referral to neurology
- Genetic counselling for families with known mutations
- Supportive care: includes respiratory support, nutritional therapy, physiotherapy
- Medications: such as riluzole to slightly slow progression
- Speech and occupational therapy: to maintain independence and communication
- Regular respiratory assessments: to monitor lung function and need for intervention
Preventive, Trusted, and Affordable Healthcare for All
It is extremely crucial to your cognitive, emotional, and physical health to have quality sleep. We offer affordable CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia), sleep consultation and a complete lifestyle approach to your care. Whether you have trouble sleeping some of the time, or you experience constant tiredness, we would like to see you sleep better, live better, and stay well, all at an affordable price with the same compassion and professionalism.
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