10 Interesting Facts About Motor Neuron Disease

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is an umbrella term for a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect the nerves (motor neurons) present in the brain and spinal cord. They have a debilitating effect on the patient, and scientists are conducting extensive research to learn more about how it manifests and why. 

Before we uncover a few interesting facts about Motor Neuron Disease, let us look at some of its treatments.

Treatment for Motor Neuron Disease

There is no cure for Motor Neuron Disease yet. However, the best Motor Neuron Disease treatment can help patients and their families deal with the symptoms, such as:

Stem Cell Therapy

In this form of treatment, Stem Cells are derived from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue. It is a potential new approach for treating Motor Neuron Disease, and even clinical studies have proven that the individuals treated with it have shown noticeable improvement. 

Physical Therapy

In Motor Neuron Disease, patients often face problems in walking, maintaining balance, and other movements. Many patients even complain of severe pain in their shoulders and legs. Physical therapy helps improve posture, prevent joint immobility, and slow muscle weakness and atrophy with the help of stretching and strengthening exercises.

Occupational Therapy

In this therapy, the patients perform various activities to maintain strength, improve endurance, manage fatigue, train hand functions, and foster independence in daily life tasks and community mobility.

Speech Therapy

Speech and swallowing difficulties are common in individuals with the disease, and these problems usually progress over time. Speech therapy helps these individuals maintain communication and swallowing skills for as long as possible, manage symptoms, and adopt compensatory strategies for loss of function.

10 facts about Motor Neuron Disease that you may not know

No two patients with Motor Neuron Disease will display the same symptoms. From physical manifestations to psychological tolls, every patient suffers differently. Hence, much is yet to be learned about this complex disease. From what we know so far, here are a few interesting facts about Motor Neuron Disease:

• Motor Neuron Disease affects the motor muscles, and hence, some of the early signs can include slurred speech and muscle weakness (often resulting in a tendency to fall)

• Earlier, researchers had assumed that Motor Neuron Disease only affected the nerve cells that control speech, movement, and actions such as swallowing and breathing. However, new research shows that about 50% of patients also exhibit cognitive changes that affect behavior, language, and personality

• Many patients display a symptom known as emotional lability — where even minor incidents can trigger an exaggerated emotional response such as crying or laughing

• Motor Neuron Disease doesn’t affect the five senses — eyesight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch

• With time, patients with Motor Neuron Disease will experience increased muscle weakness and body paralysis, as well as difficulties in breathing and sleeping

• Some cases of Motor Neuron Disease are hereditary, and researchers have identified a large number of gene mutations that may be responsible. However, about 90% to 95% of Motor Neuron Disease cases remain sporadic (without any identifiable cause). Research indicates that neuron damage caused by an immune system response, nerve growth factors, and repair and aging of motor neurons could be potential causes for Motor Neuron Disease

• Motor Neuron Disease can be classified into two categories, based on where the symptoms first show up. Spinal onset is when the nerves controlling the limbs and trunk are affected first, while bulbar onset is when the nerves controlling speech and swallowing are affected first

• About 90% of cases of Motor Neuron Disease affect both upper and lower motor neurons. This is also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. However, in rare cases, Motor Neuron Disease can exclusively affect the upper motor neurons, known as Primary Lateral Sclerosis, or the lower motor neurons, known as Progressive Muscular Atrophy. 

• While Motor Neuron Disease is currently incurable, treatment under the care of a multidisciplinary team can significantly reduce symptoms. It can also help the patient remain in the milder stage of the illness for longer. 

• A combination of Stem Cell Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and assistance with breathing and nutritional intake can make a big difference to the patient’s quality of life. 

Receiving a diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease is a challenging moment for both the patient and their loved ones. However, the right Motor Neuron Disease treatment can control the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Getting an early diagnosis can make a big difference in how the disease manifests over time, which is why it is essential to keep an eye out for the early signs and see a doctor as soon as possible.