2 hours ago
Latest
Update
Latest Updates
Featured Posts
Get in Touch
Location:
123 Innovation Street
Tech District, CA 94105
123 Innovation Street
Tech District, CA 94105
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Phone:
+1 (234) 567-890
+1 (234) 567-890
Understanding MND and Do Sportspeople More Likely to Be Diagnosed?
Motor neurone disease impacts nerve cells located in the brain and spine, that instruct your muscles how to function.
This leads them to lose strength and stiffen over time and usually affects how you walk, talk, eat and breathe.
It is a quite uncommon condition that is most common in people over 50, but grown-ups of any age can be affected.
An individual's chance in their life of contracting MND is one in 300.
Approximately 5,000 adults in the UK are living with the disease at any given moment.
Scientists are not sure what causes MND, but it is likely to be a combination of the genes - or biological traits - you get from your parents when you are delivered, and additional environmental influences.
In as many as 10% of individuals with MND, particular genetic factors play a much larger role.
There is usually a family history of the disease in these cases.
Identifying the First Signs of the Condition?
MND affects everyone differently.
Not everyone has the same symptoms, or experiences them in the same order.
The condition can advance at different speeds too.
Some of the most common signs are:
- loss of muscle strength and cramps
- rigid articulations
- problems with your speech
- issues with ingesting, consuming food and taking fluids
- reduced cough reflex
Does There Exist a Cure?
No cure, but there is optimism coming from treatments focused on various types of MND.
MND is not one disease - it is actually several that culminate in the demise of motor neurones.
A new drug known as tofersen works in just 2% of patients, however it has been shown to decelerate - and in some cases even reverse - some of the symptoms of MND.
It has been referred to as "absolutely groundbreaking" and a "significant point of optimism" for the whole disease.
Although the drug has recently received approval in the EU, it is not yet available in the UK.
Just one pharmaceutical currently licensed for the treatment of MND in the UK and endorsed by the NHS.
Riluzole may slow down the progression of the disease and increase survival by several months, but it does not reverse harm.
Determining Life Expectancy for MND?
Certain individuals can live for many years with MND, such as renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, who was identified at the age of 22 and survived until 76.
But for the majority, the disease advances rapidly and life expectancy is just a few years.
According to the charity MND Association, the condition claims the lives of a third of people within a twelve months and over 50% within two years of diagnosis.
As the neurons cease functioning, swallowing and respiration become increasingly difficult and numerous individuals need nutritional support or breathing apparatus to help them stay alive.
Are Athletes More Likely to Receive a Diagnosis?
The exact cause has not been identified, but elite athletes appear overrepresented by MND.
Two studies from 2005 and 2009 indicated that professional footballers have an increased risk of developing MND.
Research from 2022 by the University of Glasgow involving 400 ex- Scotland rugby athletes concluded they had an higher likelihood of developing the disease.
Researchers additionally discovered that rugby athletes who have experienced repeated head injuries have biological differences that could render them more prone to contracting MND.
The MND Association acknowledges there is a "link" between collision sports and MND.
It noted that while the athletes studied were more likely to acquire MND, it did not prove the athletic activities directly caused the condition.
The charity also emphasises that "reported MND instances in these studies is remains quite small, and so concluding there is a certain elevated chance could be misinterpreted if this is merely a grouping due to random chance".
Multiple high-profile athletes have been identified with the disease in recent years.
This encompasses former rugby players, soccer players, and cricket athletes.
In the United States, MLB athlete Lou Gehrig died from the condition at the age of 39.
Brian Hernandez
A passionate writer and shopping enthusiast with a keen eye for quality products and lifestyle trends.
November 2025 Blog Roll
October 2025 Blog Roll
September 2025 Blog Roll
August 2025 Blog Roll
July 2025 Blog Roll
June 2025 Blog Roll
Popular Posts
Sponsored News
Delving into this Act of Insurrection: Its Meaning and Potential Use by Trump
Brian Hernandez
13 Nov 2025
Previous Australian Politician Jailed for Above 60 Months for Sex Crimes
Brian Hernandez
13 Nov 2025
Super Mario Galaxy Film Trailer Arrives, Introducing Fresh Faces Rosalina & Bowser Jr. Actors
Brian Hernandez
12 Nov 2025