Perhaps you’ve heard the term Motor Neurone Disease or MND. MND Scotland is dedicated to supporting those affected by this illness. MND describes a group of diseases impacting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
MND Scotland is the only Scottish charity focused on Motor Neurone Disease. It supports people with MND their families and their carers. The organization offers various services alongside vital information. They also fund crucial research into this condition.
Motor neurons send electrical messages that tell muscles what to do. MND disrupts these messages and stops them from reaching the muscles. This causes muscle weakness and wasting. Symptoms include losing the ability to walk talk eat or even breathe unaided.
There are different types of MND. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS is the most common form in adults. In the USA it’s known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS causes muscle weakness stiffness and cramps. Eventually it affects movement speech breathing and swallowing. Thinking and behavior may also change. ALS affects everyone differently. Symptoms vary in order speed and severity. Sadly there is currently no cure.
Spinal muscular atrophy or SMA is another type of MND. It affects children and young adults causing muscle wastage and loss of mobility. There are also less common types such as progressive bulbar palsy and progressive muscular atrophy. Primary lateral sclerosis is a rare slow-progressing form of MND.
The causes of MND aren’t fully understood. Researchers are working to uncover the reasons behind it. Combinations of genetic risk factors and environmental triggers likely play a role. Around 8% of people with ALS in Scotland have a family history of the condition.
MND can affect adults of any age. However it’s more common for people over 50. Approximately 400 people in Scotland live with MND. Each year around 200 people are newly diagnosed. That’s about four people per week. 60% of those diagnosed are men and 40% are women. The average age at diagnosis is 67 years. The average life expectancy post-diagnosis is 18 months.
MND Scotland was established in 1981. It provides care and support to anyone in Scotland diagnosed with MND also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a progressively disabling muscle-wasting condition. Currently there is no cure. MND Scotland also promotes and funds research.
If you have questions about MND you can contact MND Scotland. Their address is 6th Floor Merchant Exchange 20 Bell Street Glasgow G1 1LG. The phone number is 0141 332 3903. They are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. MND Scotland is working tirelessly to make a difference for people affected by this devastating condition. Their work is invaluable to patients and families across Scotland.