Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  Symptoms tend to start in the hands and feet. The muscles tend to become stiff as well as weak at first.
• Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP). The muscles first affected are those used for talking, chewing and swallowing (the bulbar muscles).
• Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA). The small muscles of the hands and feet are usually first affected, but the muscles are not stiff.
• Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).  It mainly causes weakness in the leg muscles. Some people with this type may also develop clumsiness in the hands or develop speech problems.