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Motor
Neurone Disease - some facts
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group
of related diseases affecting the motor neurones (nerve cells) in the
brain and spinal cord.
As the motor neurones gradually die, the muscles stop
working.
MND is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease that can
affect any adult at any time.
The cause of MND is unknown and there is no known cure.
At least three people a day die from MND in the UK.
It affects more than 5,000 people in this country alone
at any one time.
Half of people with MND will die 14 months after diagnosis.
MND leaves people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves,
but the intellect and the senses remain unaffected.
People with MND can still think and feel, but their muscles
refuse to work.
Famous people who have died of MND include actor David
Niven, footballers Don Revie and Willie Maddren, Leonard Cheshire –
founder of the Cheshire Homes for disabled people - and journalist Jill
Tweedie.
Professor Stephen Hawking is exceptional; he has survived
with MND for more than 35 years.
He has a very rare, slowly progressing form of the disease.
Source: The MND Association.
The MND Association
Established in 1979. It provides care and support for
people with MND and their families, and funds vital research into causes,
treatments and a cure for MND.
Telephone Helpline: 08457 626262.
www.mndassociation.org
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