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MND impacts nerves found in the cerebrum and spine, that instruct your muscle tissue what to do.

This causes them to weaken and stiffen gradually and typically impacts how you walk, speak, eat and respire.

It is a quite uncommon disease that is most frequent in individuals above age fifty, but grown-ups of all ages can be affected.

An individual's lifetime risk of developing MND is one in 300.

About five thousand adults in the UK are living with the condition at any one time.

Researchers are uncertain what causes MND, but it is probable to be a mix of the genetic material - or biological traits - you inherit from your parents when you are born, and additional environmental influences.

For up to one in 10 people with MND, specific genes are far more significant.

There is usually a hereditary background of the illness in these cases.

What are the Early Symptoms of the Disease?

MND affects everyone differently.

Not all individuals has the same symptoms, or experiences them in the same order.

The disease can advance at varying rates too.

Among the most common indicators are:

• loss of muscle strength and cramps
• stiff joints
• problems with how you speak
• complications involving swallowing, consuming food and drinking
• weakened coughing

Does There Exist a Cure?

No cure, but there is hope stemming from therapies targeted at different forms of MND.

MND is not a single illness - it is really several that result in the death of motor neurones.

A new drug known as tofersen is effective in just 2% of patients, however it has been demonstrated to decelerate - and in certain instances even undo - some of the symptoms of MND.

It has been referred to as "absolutely groundbreaking" and a "real moment of hope" for the entire condition.

Although the drug has recently received approval in the EU, it is not currently accessible in the UK.

There is only one pharmaceutical presently approved for the treatment of MND in the UK and endorsed by the NHS.

Riluzole could decelerate the advancement of the condition and prolong life by several months, but it cannot repair damage.

What is Life Expectancy for MND?

Certain individuals can survive for decades with MND, including theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who was identified at the twenty-two years old and survived until 76.

But for the majority, the illness advances rapidly and survival time is just a few years.

Based on the charity MND Association, the disease claims the lives of a one-third of people within a year and over 50% within two years of diagnosis.

As the neurons stop working, ingestion and breathing become increasingly difficult and numerous individuals need nutritional support or breathing apparatus to help them stay alive.

Are Athletes More Likely to Be Diagnosed?

The exact cause has not yet been found, but top-level sportspeople appear disproportionately affected by MND.

A pair of research projects from 2005 and 2009 indicated that professional footballers have an elevated chance of developing MND.

Research from 2022 by the Glasgow University involving 400 former Scotland rugby athletes determined they had an higher likelihood of developing the disease.

Scientists additionally discovered that rugby athletes who have experienced multiple concussions have biological differences that could render them more susceptible to developing MND.

The MND Association acknowledges there is a "link" between collision sports and MND.

It added that while the sportspeople researched were had a greater chance to acquire MND, it did not prove the athletic activities directly caused the condition.

The organization also stresses that "reported MND cases in this research is remains quite small, and so determining there is a certain elevated chance could be misunderstood if this is simply a cluster due to random chance".

Multiple prominent sports figures have been diagnosed with the disease in recent years.

These include ex- rugby union internationals, footballers, and cricket athletes.

Across the Atlantic, baseball player Lou Gehrig died from the condition aged 39.