Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It is a debilitating and terminal illness that affects an estimated 5,000 people in the UK alone.
MND typically progresses in three stages.
Stage One: Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
The early symptoms of MND can vary from person to person and include muscle weakness, twitching, cramps, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. At this stage, it is important for a person to seek medical attention in order to receive a diagnosis. During this stage, MND can often be misdiagnosed as other conditions, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.
Stage Two: Progressive Symptoms and Decline
As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and the person’s physical abilities decline. Muscle weakness becomes more pronounced and can spread to other parts of the body. Speech and swallowing difficulties worsen, making it difficult for the person to communicate. In some cases, mobility can be affected, making it difficult for the person to move around.
Stage Three: End-Stage MND
At this stage, the person’s physical abilities are severely compromised. They may be unable to walk, talk, or swallow. The person may be completely dependent on others for their care and may require the use of a ventilator to help them breathe. Eventually, the person may enter a coma-like state and die from the disease.
MND is a devastating illness that affects every aspect of life. It is important to be aware of the three stages of MND so that people can be better prepared to manage the disease and receive the best possible care.