Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the death of the motor neuron, which links the brain and spinal cord to the muscle. As the motor neuron dies, fewer signals are transmitted to the muscles. Once the number of signals being transmitted is decreased, the muscle begins to waste away. MND is fatal and there is currently no treatment or cure.
MND FACTS
300,000 people worldwide are living with MND
100,000 people die each year as a result of MND
1400 Australians are currently living with MND
There are 500 Australians newly diagnosed with MND each year
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recorded 560 deaths attributed to MND in 2004
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYPTOMS OF MND?
Muscle cramps and spasms
Difficulties with swallowing and breathing
Loss of mobility in the limbs
Loss of speech
IS MND FATAL?
Yes
The average life span from diagnosis is two years.
IS MND ON THE RISE?
Yes
WHO DOES MND AFFECT?
MND does not discriminate between ethnic groups, race or gender. The incidence of MND is increasing, particularly for people that are aged between 50 and 70 years.
The youngest person diagnosed with MND in Australia was just 17. The oldest was 97.
WHY HAVE I NEVER HEARD ABOUT MND?
Unfortunately people affected by MND do not live long enough to bring awareness of the disease.
