MND, or Motor Neurone Disease (also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS) is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time, leading to increasing disability and eventually death.
The cause of MND is not yet known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic component is thought to account for up to 10 percent of all cases of MND, with the remaining 90 percent believed to be caused by environmental factors such as toxins, radiation, and viruses.
It is believed that a number of different genes can cause MND. Mutations in the genes that code for proteins involved in the development and maintenance of neurons in the brain and spinal cord can cause MND, as can the accumulation of toxic proteins that can lead to their death.
The most common genetic form of MND is familial MND, which is inherited from a parent. It is estimated that 5-10 percent of all MND cases are familial, and it is usually caused by a mutation in the SOD1, TARDBP, or FUS genes.
It is important to note that even if a person has one of the genetic mutations that can cause MND, this does not necessarily mean that they will develop the disease. It is estimated that only 5-10 percent of people with a genetic mutation will actually develop MND, due to other environmental factors.
In conclusion, while it is known that some cases of MND are caused by genetic mutations, the majority of MND cases are caused by environmental factors, rather than genetic ones. It is important to note that even if a person has a genetic mutation, this does not necessarily mean they will develop MND.