Motor Neurone Disease

What is Motor Neurone Disease?

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a disease which affects a set of nerves called found in your brain and spinal cord called motor neurones. These are the nerves which tell your muscles what to do. With MND messages from these nerves eventually stop telling your muscles what to do which can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink, and breathe.

Four Different Types of MND

There are four main types of MND, each affecting people in different ways.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):

ALS is the most common form, with weakness and wasting in your limbs, muscle stiffness and cramps. In the early stages you may trip or drop things.

Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP):

PBP affects fewer people than ALS, and in the early stages tends to appear in the muscles of your face, throat, and tongue. You may notice slurred speech or difficulty swallowing.

Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA):

PMA affects fewer people than ALS and is usually slower to get worse. You may notice weakness, diminished reflexes, or clumsiness in your hands.

Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)

PLS affects fewer people than ALS and is usually slower to get worse. This causes weakness in the lower limbs, although you may also experience clumsiness in the hands or speech problems.

Symptoms

MND affects everyone differently, not everyone has all the symptoms or experiences them in the same order. The speed at which MND progresses can also vary from person to person.

MND does shorten life expectancy and unfortunately it has no cure, but there are therapies, equipment, and medication available to help manage symptoms and support you in achieving the best quality of life possible.

You may have some or all of the symptoms listed below:

Muscle Weakness

With loss of muscle mass (wasting), and both movement and mobility problems.

Muscle Cramps & Spasms

Including rippling sensations, known as fasciculation.

Stiff Joints

Which limit range of movement.

Pain or Discomfort

Because of other symptoms (pain is not usually caused by MND directly).

Speech & Communication Problems

Affecting how you speak, gesture, and show expression

Swallowing Difficulties

Affecting how you eat and drink.

Saliva Problems

Where thin saliva pools in the mouth or saliva becomes thick and sticky.

Weakened Coughing

Which makes it harder to clear the throat.

Breathing Problems

Which can lead to breathlessness and fatigue.

Emotional Lability

With inappropriate emotional responses, such as laughing when feeling sad.

Changes To Thinking & Behaviour

For about half of those diagnosed with MND and this number increases in the later stages.

Our Approach to MND

At Practical Care, we deeply understand the challenges and emotional toll Motor Neurone Disease (MND) can place on individuals and their families. The unpredictable nature of MND can often make it feel like control is slipping through your fingers. That’s why our approach places you at the heart of everything we do. Every decision regarding your care is made with your input, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected at every turn.
Our team is committed to understanding not just how MND affects your daily life, but also your aspirations and concerns for the future. Our goal is to empower you to maintain your roles and responsibilities for as long as possible, offering our support precisely when you need it.
We promise a uniquely dedicated and personal care experience, made possible by limiting your interactions to a carefully chosen group of caregivers. This approach not only ensures consistent and familiar care but also cultivates trust and a profound sense of belonging within your care journey. Strong, trust-based relationships with a small, consistent team are crucial. They do more than just elevate the standard of care; they are a cornerstone of emotional well-being and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
In all aspects of our care, we integrate beneficial exercises and introduce measures to ensure you meet your social needs, ensuring you remain connected and engaged.

Due to the number of symptoms and the speed of the condition’s progression it is crucial to work with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure each symptom is tended to by a specialist. Effective co-operation has been proven to extend life-expectancy of people with MND. The specialists for MND usually include:

GPs & Nurses

Neurologists

Occupational Therapists

Physiotherapists

Speech Pathologists

Psychologists

Social Workers

Home Care Professionals

Organising contact with that many specialists can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with MND. You may be uncertain about what services you require, what support is available and who you need to contact to access that support. That’s why we contact the relevant teams to co-produce a cohesive and comprehensive care plan tailored to your specific needs. This collaborative strategy ensures that every facet of your care is addressed, providing you with the most effective, personalized support possible, and making sure you receive the right care at the right time.