Motor neurone disease (MND)

Motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) MND, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), progressive bulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis, familial MND (Familial ALS/FALS), juvenile ALS/MND, Kennedy’s disease

What is motor neurone disease (MND)?

Motor neurone disease is an uncommon condition which affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. MND is caused when cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurons stop working properly.

What causes MND?

Researchers still don’t know exactly what causes motor neuron degeneration in people with MND or why the condition develops in some people and not others. Studies are actively ongoing and more is learned about motor neurone disease every day.

What are the symptoms of motor neurone disease?

Symptoms of MND, which happen gradually, may include:

  • muscle weakness
  • slurred speech and difficulty swallowing
  • weight loss
  • muscle twitches and cramps

This condition can affect adults of any age, but, usually, people experiencing MND are in their 60s and 70s.

Motor neurone disease is a progressive condition and gets worse over time. Getting an early diagnosis can help you get the care you need.

Are you affected by motor neurone disease?

If you’re affected by motor neurone disease (MND), The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with motor neurone disease (MND), emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with motor neurone disease (MND) from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

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Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone with motor neurone disease

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with MND, you may be feeling overwhelmed. While there is no cure, treatment can help relieve the symptoms. For example, physiotherapy can be beneficial to encourage movement and reduce muscle stiffness.

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with MND? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including motor neurone disease, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Carer support from The Brain Charity in Liverpool Practical help

Support for carers

All The Brain Charity's services are free for carers and family members of people with neurological conditions too.
Get help
What is voice banking? Microphone image Information

What is voice banking? The technology helping people with neurological conditions maintain independence

If you're faced with the possibility of losing your ability to speak, voice banking can preserve the sound of your voice.
Get help
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Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on motor neurone disease and on a wide range of disability-related issues.

This includes a copy of the MNDA’s booklet ‘When Someone Close has MND: A workbook for children aged 4 to 10′ and Motor Neuron Disease by K. Talbot.

Support groups

Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA)

Online forum

MND Scotland

Find an MND support group in Scotland.

Support groups at The Brain Charity

Are you interested in setting up a motor neurone disease support group, or do you already run one? Email activities@thebraincharity.org.uk to let us know.

Alternatively, you can check out our list of related support groups here.

Other charities

Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA - charity focused on improving access to care and research for those affected by MND)

www.mndassociation.org
MND Connect helpline: 0808 802 6262

MND Scotland (leading Scottish charity providing care to those affected by MND)

www.mndscotland.org.uk
Tel: 0141 332 3903
Email: info@mndscotland.org.uk