Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which motor neurones progressively die. Motor neurones are nerve cells that control the movement of voluntary muscles, that is, muscles that are under conscious control. These include all the muscles of the arms, legs, back and neck and of speech, swallowing and breathing.
MND is also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Lou Gehrig’s disease in other parts of the world.
MND causes nerve cells controlling muscles to deteriorate and die. With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste, and paralysis ensues. Weakness is often seen first in the hands or feet, or the first sign may be swallowing difficulty or slurred speech. Muscle twitching and/or cramps may also occur. In most cases the senses are not affected. MND is not contagious.
Up to 50% of people with MND may experience some change in cognition, language, behaviour and personality. Most people experience relatively mild changes. However, a small proportion (5–15%) will show more significant changes and will receive a diagnosis of ‘motor neurone disease with frontotemporal dementia’ or MND/FTD.
MND affects each person differently in respect of initial symptoms, rate and pattern of progression, and survival time.
Average survival time after diagnosis is 2.5 years* (Deloitte Access Economics report Economic analysis of MND in Australia, 2015), but a minority of people will survive 5 years or more.
Progression of MND is rapid, creating high levels of disability and consequent needs for support. People with MND need assistance with feeding, communication, movement, transferring, toileting, and breathing. MND has an impact on all activities of living.
The key feature of the disease is the speed of progression, which poses huge problems of adjustment for people who have MND, an escalating burden on carers and families, and a challenge to those who are involved in meeting the variable and complex care needs.
The causes of the majority of cases of MND remain unknown. However about 10% of cases are inherited (familial) and the genetic fault of about 60% of these cases is now known in Australian families.
The risk of developing MND over a lifetime is about 1 in 300 people, with the risk increasing steadily with age (Martin S, Al Khleifat A and Al-Chalabi A. What causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? [version 1; peer review: 3 approved]. F1000Research 2017, 6(F1000 Faculty Rev):371).
Researchers from around the world are studying genetics; toxins; chemicals by which nerve cells are controlled and communicate; the use of stem cells; gut microbiomes, and the growth, repair and ageing of motor neurons. The provision of better care and the development of more effective treatments are also being investigated.
The blue cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) was adopted by MND Australia as the national symbol of hope for MND, because of its fragile appearance but hardy nature. Like the cornflower, people living with MND show remarkable strength in coping with a devastating disease.
The cornflower was first adopted by the ALS Society of Canada and is used by a number of countries worldwide including South Africa and New Zealand.
MND occurs in all countries of the world. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity or demographic.
Over 420,000 people are living with MND worldwide. Approximately 140,000 cases are diagnosed worldwide each year. That is 384 new cases every day. (International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations)
MND is not a disease of ageing and can affect adults at any age, although the peak age of onset is during the fifties and sixties. Men are affected slightly more often than women.
Riluzole is the only treatment that has been demonstrated in trials to extend life expectancy in people living with MND and registered in Australia. Riluzole, and its liquid form Teglutik, are included in the PBS.
Researchers globally are currently developing and trialling many potential therapies. There are currently over 80 clinical trials taking place around the world including a number in Australia.
Discovery of genes implicated in MND is doubling every four years.
Global Day is marked annually on 21 June as the international day of recognition for ALS/MND.
More than 2,000 people are living with MND at any one time (Deloitte Access Economics report Economic analysis of MND in Australia, 2015)
In 2019, 862 people with MND died (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). The prevalence of MND was 8.7 per 100,000 people in 2015 or one per 11,434 Australians (Deloitte Access Economics report Economic analysis of MND in Australia, 2015). Mean time from onset to confirmation of diagnosis is 10 to 18 months (Deloitte Access Economics report Economic analysis of MND in Australia, 2015)
The total cost of MND in Australia was $2.37 billion in 2015. This equates to $1.1 million per person (Deloitte Access Economics report Economic analysis of MND in Australia, 2015)
The six State MND Associations provide support in all states and territories. 60% of the people supported by State MND Associations are aged 65 or older
MND Australia and its research arm, MND Research Australia, form one national body that represents both care and research MND Research Australia awarded almost $3 million for new MND research projects to commence in 2021. This vital source of funding is only possible thanks to the generous support of State MND Associations, donors and bequestors.
Information, referral and support to over 1,500 people living with MND
Support and information for 662 people recently diagnosed with MND
Support for the families of the 650 people registered with an MND association who died
Over 4,845 items of equipment to people living with MND over 55,800 home visits and electronic contacts with people living with MND
Over 3,500 information packs delivered
Education to over 2,000 health, disability and aged care providers
Early diagnosis given by a neurologist expert in MND
Counselling and support at and following diagnosis
Early access to MND Associations for information, support and referral to services
Early access to palliative care services
Early and timely intervention and access to a range of services based on the needs of the individual and their family including:
Coordinated multidisciplinary care from a team of professionals
MND specific information and education and ongoing support for carers of people living with MND
MND specific information, education, support and resources for health, disability and aged care providers
Urgent response and regular review – waiting lists are not appropriate
MND is a rapidly progressive, terminal neurological disease
There is no known cure and no effective treatments for MND – yet 1 in 300 of the Australian population alive today will develop MND
Each day in Australia two people die from MND
Each day in Australia two people are diagnosed with MND
People with MND progressively lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe, whilst their mind and senses usually remain intact
Average life expectancy is 2.5 years
More than 2,000 people have MND in Australia and thousands more families and carers live daily with the effects of MND
MND Week is celebrated nationally in the first full week of May to raise awareness of the needs of people living with MND and their family. It is a time to acknowledge the MND community and people living with MND today and to remember those who have died.
Every year the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations celebrates 21 June as the global day of recognition of ALS/MND – a disease that affects people in every country of the globe. June 21 is a solstice – a turning point – and each year the ALS/MND community undertake a range of activities to express their hope that this day will be another turning point in the search for treatments and cures.
Percy Cerutty – Australian athletics coach o Lord Leonard Cheshire – VC
Ronnie Corbett – comedian
Neale Daniher – AFL player, coach and mentor
Peter Doohan, Australian Tennis
Sean Dorney, ABC Radio Announcer
Brad Drewitt, Australian Tennis
Ron Edgeworth – musician
Jenifer Estess – theatre producer, founding member of Project ALS
Scott Gale – Balmain rugby league player
Pro Hart – painter
Stephen Hawking – mathematician, physicist and author
Stephen Hillenburg – creator of the animated series Spongebob Squarepants
James Kemsley – cartoonist
Charles Mingus – jazz composer and bassist
Richard Morgan – actor
David Niven – actor
Morrie Schwartz – American Professor of Sociology, media personality and author, who was the subject of the international best-selling book, “Tuesdays with Morrie”
Mao Tse Tung – revolutionary leader of China
Joost van der Westhuizen – South African rugby union player
Doddie Weir - Scottish rugby union player
Gary West – Cycling Australia's head track sprint coach