A busy February saw the MND NSW Info Line respond to well over 100 enquiries. This month’s Top-5 includes frequently asked questions about causes of MND, showering with MND, emotional lability and custom assistive technology.
1. What are the causes of MND?
There is currently no known cause of sporadic MND. However, there are several different theories which are being researched across the world.
These theories include:
- Exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals, which include agricultural chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals.
- Infection from viral agents
- Premature ageing of motor neurones.
- Immune related damage.
Research has however suggested that there may be a six-step process with a combination of these causes that act individually or in combination to develop MND.
For people with a genetic type of MND, the like hood of developing the disease is far greater. However, even for people who are MND gene carriers, there are other factors that need to be present to go on to develop the disease, what those factors are, remains unknown.
The MND NSW Education team has recently released a recording as a part of the Conversation with a Neurologist series featuring Professor Steve Vucic which discusses the causes of MND. Visit the MND Hub to listen.
For further information visit:
- What causes MND?
- What is motor neurone disease (MND)? | MND Australia
- MND Hub | Conversation with a Neurologist: Episode 2
2. What is emotional lability?
Some people who have been diagnosed with MND experience changes to the way they manage their emotions, this is known as emotional lability or pseudobulbar affect. Signs of this includes inappropriate or exaggerated emotional responses. For example, a person with emotional lability may experience unpredictable and uncontrolled episodes of laughing or crying which may not be reflective of their real feelings. Emotional lability can affect the wellbeing of someone with MND as it can cause social isolation due to feeling embarrassed by their reactions.
For further information, visit:
3. How can I safely shower with MND?
As someone with MND experience progression and weakness across their body, it can make day to day tasks such as showering difficult and sometimes a risk to complete. It is important to consult with an occupational therapist who can recommend strategies to ensure that showering and other personal care can be completed safely.
These strategies may include:
- Use a shower chair or shower commode.
- Use non-slip mats.
- Perform home modifications to the bathroom:
- Install handrails.
- Larger more open shower with room to move.
- Remove any steps to the shower.
For further information:
- Speak with your allied health team.
- MND Aware Living with MND - Day-to-day - Page 28
4. Does FlexEquip provide customised/personalised assistive technology?
The FlexEquip loan library is designed to meet the needs of most people living with MND. Our equipment will suit most people however, if there are small non-permanent modifications that are needed, Allied Health Professionals can contact FlexEquip to discuss. We cannot undertake significant or permanent customisation.
For further information, visit:
5. Where can I find information on upcoming MND NSW Events?
MND NSW regularly provide a range of in-person and online fundraising, education and support groups to people with MND, carers, family, health professionals and the general population. For further information:
- Call the MND NSW Info Line on 1800 777 175.
- Contact your local MND Advisor.
- Visit: All Events
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