In recent months, former RTE journalist Charlie Bird has spoken about his ongoing battle with Motor Neurone Disease after he was diagnosed with the condition his last year.
Last week, Charlie gave a heartbreaking update on his health as he launched a new campaign with the Samaritans. Posting on Twitter he wrote: “I have been honest about my illness... people seeing me out walking think I am doing well.
“But the harsh reality is my limbs are beginning to be affected now. But some incredible force is helping me to keep fighting on." MND is a condition that affects the brain and nerves and causes weakness that will progressively get worse over time, eventually leading to death.
According to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, there are more than 4000 people in Ireland currently living with Motor Neurone Disease, with around one person in 30,000 developing the condition every year.
There are a number of signs that people should look out for if worried that they may be suffering from the condition, with some early symptoms to watch out for.
Early symptoms
These can include:
- Weakness in leg or ankle which could cause you to trip, or find it difficult to walk up and down a flight of stairs.
- Slurred speech, which can develop into difficulty swallowing foods.
- A weakened grip - difficulty opening jars or doing up buttons and holding objects
- Muscle cramps and twitches, particularly affecting the hands
- Muscles in your arms and legs may become thinner over time
- Crying or laughing in inappropriate situations
Who can get MND?
Motor Neurone Disease mainly affects people aged in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, but it can affect people of all ages.
If a person has a close relative who suffered from Motor Neurone Disease or a condition called Frontotemporal Dementia, he or she may be more likely to develop the condition.
What causes Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor Neurone Disease is caused by a problem with the cells in the brain and nerves called Motor Neurones. The cells gradually stop working over time, leading to messages not reaching the brain and the wasting of muscles.
Motor Neurone Disease treatments
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Motor Neurone Disease. However, there are treatments available in Ireland that can help those with the condition.
Treatments include:
- Specialised clinics with a specialist nurse and occupational therapy to help make everyday tasks easier.
- Physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness and maintain strength
- Advice from dietician and speech therapist
- Medicine called riluzole which can slightly slow the progression of the disease
- Medicine for muscle stiffness
- Emotional support for you and your carer
How is MND diagnosed?
In Ireland, it can be tricky to diagnose Motor Neurone Disease in its early stages. However, there are certain tests available that may help to diagnose the condition:
- Blood test
- MRI scan of your brain and spine
- Tests to measure electrical activity in the muscles and nerves
- A lumbar puncture
For more information about the condition, head on over to imnda.ie.
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