I’ll populate this page with answers to any questions that seem to crop up all of the time. If you want to ask me a question you use the contact form here.
General
We have blog post here on ways you can show support: Showing Support – Slapdash MND
My friends call me “Slapdash” because I was always rushing between lectures, gym classes, family, social plans and adventures.
Motor Neurone Disease
There is currently no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. This includes:
- Medications (e.g. riluzole)
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Speech and language support
- Assistive devices and respiratory care
The exact cause is still unknown in most cases. However:
- Around 5-10% of cases are inherited (familial MND)
- Genetic mutations, environmental factors, and immune system problems may play a role
Research is ongoing to better understand the underlying causes.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of MND. In some countries (like the U.S.), MND and ALS are often used interchangeably, but MND is the broader term used more commonly in the UK and other countries.
Common early signs include:
- Muscle weakness (especially in the arms or legs)
- Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
- Muscle cramps or twitching (fasciculations)
- Weight loss and fatigue
Symptoms vary depending on the type and progression of the disease.
MND is a progressive neurological disorder that affects motor neurons – the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles. Over time, it leads to muscle weakness, wasting, and eventually paralysis, though the brain’s cognitive functions often remain intact.