With the recent craze of ice bucket challenges, I thought I’d
write about Motor Neurone Disease (MND), so that those of you who did the
challenge and made a donation can learn more about the condition.
Motor neurone diseases refer to a group of conditions that
affect the motor neurones in the body. One of the most common of these
conditions is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Here in South Africa, ALS
and MND are used interchangeably, generally referring to the same condition.
What is MND?
MND is the degeneration of the motor neurones in the body,
causing muscle wasting and stiffness. Motor neurones control essential
voluntary muscle activity, such as breathing, swallowing, speaking and walking.
As the muscles get weaker, these movements become increasingly difficult.
What causes MND?
At present it is not known what causes MND; however, the
following factors are believed to have an impact on increased risk of
developing MND:
·
Exposure to toxic environments
·
Trauma
·
A virus that lies dormant in the system for a long
period of time
·
A genetic predisposition to degeneration of the
motor neurones
Prevalence
MND is more commonly diagnosed in adults age 50 years and
older, but can be present in younger individuals. It also tends to be more
prevalent in males.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, depending on which motor neurones are
affected first. Muscle wasting and stiffness usually occur first in the limbs,
resulting in dragging of one or both legs and limiting the use of both the arms
and hands. Speech gradually becomes slurred. As the disease progresses, the
more crucial muscles of the face and lungs are affected, causing problems with
breathing and swallowing, eventually resulting in death. Intellectual ability
is not affected by MND.
Treatment and Prognosis
Currently, there is no treatment that will alter the
progression of MND. Medications and therapies are used to manage the symptoms.
Individuals with MND are usually given between 1 and 5 years to live after
diagnosis, but there are cases where people have lived longer.
Management
Because there is no treatment for MND, it is crucial that
the symptoms are managed appropriately, so that one can still enjoy quality of
life. Physical therapy and exercise are essential in maintaining as much muscle
strength and movement as possible, keeping an individual as independent as
possible, as well as improving mood and self-worth.
References
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/motor_neuron_diseases/detail_motor_neuron_diseases.htm
