MN what? If you’re sitting there thinking ‘OMG what is MND?’. Then we’re here for you. Here are 7 things you should know about Motor Neurone Disease (MND) — the neurodegenerative disease that affects over 2,100 Australians, and kills approximately two Australians every day.
By sharing this information, we hope to raise awareness of MND, and connect those living with the disease and their families. Because nothing quite lightens the load than knowing that you’re not alone.
1. MND is degenerative
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerves that communicate between the brain and muscles. These motor neurons gradually degenerate, causing the muscles to weaken and eventually waste. The nerve cells affected are typically the muscles that enable you to move, speak, breathe and swallow.
2. There is no cure
Unfortunately, there is no cure for MND. Although the disease will progress, symptoms can be managed to help achieve the best possible quality of life.
3. You can maintain quality of life
While MND is incurable, it is not untreatable — there is a lot that can be done to ease symptoms and maintain quality of life. Medications may be prescribed to control involuntary muscle twitching, muscle cramps and excess saliva. However, it has been shown that people live better and longer under the care of a multidisciplinary team, focused on retaining function and mobility.
4. The course of MND is difficult to predict
The effects of MND will differ from person to person. But some common effects include: generalised paralysis, loss of speech and difficulty swallowing, breathlessness and sleep disturbance, mild cognitive and behavioural change, become increasingly dependent on other.
5. Incidence of MND is likely to increase
According to MND Australia there is predicted to be steady increase in the number of people living with MND in Australia. This is due to the ageing population, as well as interventions that improve the life expectancy of people who are living with the disease.
6. You can access supports for MND under the NDIS
People diagnosed with MND, if under the age of 65, may be eligible for assistance and supports from the government via the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Common supports participants may access under the NDIS include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, house cleaning, gardening, assistance with self-care activities, assistance with social and community participation, home modification, vehicle modification, transport, continence products and other reasonable and necessary supports for daily living and participation. Get in touch with Instacare to learn more.
7. You are not alone
There is help out there to assist you along your journey. Contact us at Instacare, your GP, a specialist neurologist, Motor Neurone Disease Association of Victoria, or the NDIS. Want to hear first hand from an Instacare participant who is living with MND? Read our story with Gary Covington’s here.
Have any questions?
If you’re living with MND and think you could benefit from supports under the NDIS, we can help navigate your journey. Get in touch at [email protected] or give us a call 1300 002 221
Learn more
Instacare are NDIS Specialists providing first-class Plan Management and Support Coordination services for you. Learn more about our services here:
