Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a degenerative condition affecting the nervous system and brain, for which there is no cure. The body will gradually become weaker over time to the point that around the clock care is required.
MND, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, with symptoms varying from person to person.
What are the First Signs of Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?
Diagnosing MND in its early stages is difficult as there is not one outright test that medical professionals can use to make a diagnosis. Should someone with one or more symptoms related to MND speak to their GP, they will likely be referred to a neurologist who may arrange for a blood test, a scan of the spine and brain, tests that measure electrical activity in the body’s nerves and muscles, or a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) which involves the removal and testing of fluid from the spine.
Some of the early symptoms of MND may include:
- Weakness in the ankle and/or leg
- Slurred speech
- Weak grip
- Twitches and muscle cramps
- Weight loss, especially in the arms and legs
- Unable to stop crying/laughing at inappropriate situations
What Causes Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?
The exact cause for MND is still not yet known, although there have been various studies relating to the exposure of viruses and toxins, genetics, immune system response, nerve growth and ageing of motor neurones.
Is MND Hereditary?
There is some evidence that MND could have genetic links, with close to 10% of those diagnosed having a relative who also has MND, although the overwhelming majority of cases appear to have no genetic link. More research is being conducted in this area.
How Long Does Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Take to Develop?
MND affects people differently, but generally, the disease progresses very slowly. Those living with MND usually can retain the ability to walk on their own steam until the latter stages of the disease, although they may be experiencing pain and/or numbness in their hands and feet for a long time before they reach this stage.
How Long Can You Live with Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?
Although there is no cure for MND, there are various treatments available to help manage the symptoms. The average life expectancy of those diagnosed with MND is between one and five years, although more than 10% of people live for more than 10 years after their diagnosis.
Life expectancy and quality of life comes down to how quickly the disease progresses which, as already touched upon, can vary greatly from person to person. Treatments now available can offset symptoms and progression of MND, extending life expectancy anywhere from a few months to a few years.
Care and Support by KASE Care
The KASE Care team are highly experienced in offering the care and support that not only those who have received a diagnosis require, but also the wider family unit. We understand that a diagnosis affects more than just one person, which is why we sit down with all parties to create a tailored care plan.
For more information relating to our home care and assisted living services, please call us on 0800 799 9057 (or 07593 136 554 at weekends).
