Cure for motor neurone disease could be ‘possible’, experts reveal
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EXPERTS have revealed a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) could be “possible”.
It came after a charity launched by the late Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir announced this week it would invest millions of pounds into research.
But what is MND?
An estimated 5,000 Brits live with it and there is a one in 300 lifetime risk of developing it.
Doddie died last November, aged just 52, six years after being diagnosed with MND.
Symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps and spasms, stiff joints, changes to thinking and behaviour, speech and communication problems, trouble swallowing, weakened coughing or breathing problems.
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Dr Nicholas Cole, head of research at the MND Association, said: “MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.
“It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work.
“MND affects everyone differently and the speed at which symptoms progress can vary.
“It cannot be stopped or reversed.
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“A drug (riluzole) has a modest effect in slowing the disease, and therapies, equipment and medication can help people achieve the best possible quality of life.”
Half of people with MND die within two years of diagnosis but up to ten per cent, like Professor Stephen Hawking, live for a decade or more.
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set up in 2017 by the rugby player and will now focus on raising money to research treatments.
Dr Cole said: “Currently, MND has no cure or effective treatment.
“But researchers are making a lot of progress.”