Understanding Motor Neurone Disease: Insights from Anne Glynn

Introduction

My name is Anne Glynn, and I am a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead for the Neuro-Rehabilitation Team at Colchester General Hospital. Our team provides outpatient and community rehabilitation services.

What is Motor Neurone Disease?

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition that affects the motor neurones, which are the nerves responsible for controlling muscle movement. This disease causes degeneration of these nerves, leading to muscle weakness and wasting, affecting the arms, legs, and neck. As the disease progresses, patients may become unable to move effectively.

Prevalence and Demographics

MND can affect individuals as young as 18, but the majority of diagnoses occur between the ages of 50 and 70. In the general population, approximately seven out of every 100,000 people live with MND. For a small percentage of these cases, a genetic mutation is identified, accounting for about 5% to 10% of cases. For most, the cause remains unknown. Current theories suggest a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may contribute to the disease. Importantly, MND is not a contagious condition.

Symptoms of Motor Neurone Disease

Initial symptoms of MND can vary. Some patients may experience muscle weakness, such as:

• Foot drop, which can cause falls
• Hand weakness, affecting fine motor skills such as buttoning shirts or zips
• Speech and swallowing difficulties, including slurred speech and choking on food or drinks, which may lead to weight loss
• Breathing problems, such as shortness of breath and difficulty lying flat

In some cases, cognitive functions and behaviour may also be affected. Up to 50% of individuals with MND may experience mild cognitive impairments, while 20% may have more significant issues, termed frontotemporal dementia.