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.
Click Here to watch Professor Dominic Rowe discussing MND
Devastatingly, MND can affect anyone and data shows it’s on the rise in Australia.
MND deaths in Australia have more than tripled over the past four decades
Now accounting for
1 in every 234 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. In Australia, the highest number of MND deaths occurs in the 70–79 age group, with the highest mortality rate in those aged 80 and over.
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More common in men than women — Australian data from 2019–2023 show men die from MND at a rate 41% higher than women.
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90% of cases are sporadic, meaning they occur with no known family history. More than 30 genes have now been linked to the 10% of cases that are inherited (familial MND).
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People living in inner and outer regional areas of Australia die from MND at significantly higher rates than those in major cities — 40% higher in inner regional areas (3.90 vs 2.79 per 100,000 population), according to a 2026 Medical Journal of Australia study analysing every recorded MND death in Australia from 1986 to 2023.
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Military veterans and people exposed to certain environmental toxins may have a higher risk. Research led by Macquarie University's MND Research Centre is actively investigating the role of pesticides, agricultural chemicals, and heavy metals in driving regional hotspots of MND across Australia.
A correct diagnosis can make an incredible difference
Macquarie University is home to Australia’s largest integrated MND Research Centre and clinic service.
Led by Professor Dominic Rowe AM, the MQ Health MND Clinic provides expert assessment, management and care for more than 200 patients with MND at any one time.
If you are thinking MND – you are invited to complete the form below with your health practitioner and then book a telehealth appointment with the MQU Health MND Clinic.
Think MND: Click Here
Despite these trends, MND does not discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life, regardless of background, lifestyle, or health history.
Find out more at Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie University.
Research
The forefront of cutting-edge research to better understand, diagnose and treat MND happens at Macquarie University where a highly regarded and incredibly passionate man, Professor Dominic Rowe runs the clinic.