What is MND?
Motor Neurone Disease (MND), or ALS, is a rare and devastating condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord that control movement. Over time, these nerves — called motor neurons — stop working properly, which causes muscles to weaken, waste away, and eventually stop working altogether.
This can affect a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and even breathe. While the mind usually stays sharp, the body gradually loses its ability to function.
There is currently no cure, but research is bringing us closer every day to understanding how to stop it.
Devastatingly, MND can affect anyone and data shows it’s on the rise in Australia.
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In the past two decades there has been a
250% increase in deaths in Australia.
Now accounting for
1 in every 200 deaths!
While the cause is not known, certain patterns have emerged in those affected by MND:
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Most commonly diagnosed between ages 50 and 70, though it can occur in younger or older adults.
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Slightly more common in men than women, especially in earlier onset cases.
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90% of cases are sporadic, meaning they occur with no known family history.
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Approximately 10% of cases are inherited, often due to specific gene mutations.
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Military veterans and people exposed to certain environmental toxins may have a slightly higher risk, though the reasons are still being studied.
