About Motor Neurone Disease

 

 

What is MND?

 

Motor neurone disease MND is the name given to a group of diseases affecting the motor neurones (nerve cells) in the brain and spinal cord. As the motor neurones gradually die, the muscles stop working.

 

MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any one time. It is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease that can affect any adult at any time. There is as yet no known cure. Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to wasting and weakness of the muscles causing increasing loss of mobility and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

 

“What’s that?” is still a common response when people hear the words motor neurone disease.

 

We aim to raise awareness of the disease via this website, via our newsletter, via local media and by word of mouth.

 

We want everyone to know about MND and what it means for people and their families so that they will join us in fighting for the best standards of care and for more research.

 

Awareness raising can involve talking to groups, acting as the voice for MND at meetings, using displays and leaflets, writing to MPs, making the case for service funding with the Primary Care Trust (PCT).

 

Once people find out about the impact of this devastating disease on families we know they will be keen to support the fight for better care and more research.

 

Support for Health & Social Care Professionals

 

The branch plays an active part in liaising and networking with health and social care professionals aiming for the best possible care for people with MND.

 

Because MND is a relatively rare disease the branch supports extra training and education about MND care for health and social care professionals. We are able to offer part sponsorship for people to attend local seminars, regional and sometimes national and international conferences.

 

The MND Association produces a very wide range of publications including leaflets and comprehensive guidelines on aspects of care management all of which are available via the main website www.mndassociation.org and follow links to publications either as downloads or to order by post by contacting the MND Connect team on 0808 802 6262

 

Research:

 

Research to find a cure or - at the least - effective treatments, is always top of the list of priorities for people and families who have been personally affected by MND.

 

Every year a proportion of the money raised locally is directed specifically to research. Often people undertaking sponsored challenges decide that all or part of the money raised will go to research.

 

People with MND are encouraged to take part in clinical research projects if they so wish.

 

Please visit the national website to access up to date information on all aspects of research and to see which projects the Association is currently funding.