Category Archives: Motor neurone disease

Progesterone in MND and FTD

The role of progesterone, identified as a potential therapy for MND, is being investigated for FTD. Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also referred to as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in some countries, is just one of the clinical syndromes associated with frontotemporal dementia or FTD. Others include corticobasal syndrome and progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome with a clinical variant of FTD being […]

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Motor Neurone Disease – Shelly’s story

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a devastating brain disease that quickly and progressively destroys the ability to move, speak, swallow and breathe. MND is also referred to as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in some countries. MND is incurable. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to three years. Jim Demirov was a strong man who enjoyed a successful drag-racing […]

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The caregiver burden

It is well known that dementia causes distress, however, little research has been done to understand caregiver stress and how it differs within the dementias. Prof John Hodges and his team are investigating caregiver distress among people caring for those with dementia and combining it with information from patients, to better understand which aspects of the condition are creating more […]

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Lost in the landscape of the brain? Get out the atlas

This article originally appeared on The Brain Dialogue. Suzanne Shubart. Now brain travellers can track their explorations with highly-detailed maps created with state-of-the-art imaging technology. The Big Picture You’re lost in the desert and, after wandering for days, in the distance you spot a giant red rock jutting out of the barren landscape. Had you never encountered this landmark before […]

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Eating and metabolism in frontotemporal dementia

When thinking about frontotemporal dementia, we often focus on cognitive and behavioural symptoms. Memory loss, personality changes, and trouble speaking and understanding language are among some of the more recognised FTD symptoms. However, there is a physical side to neurodegenerative illnesses that is the subject of Dr Rebekah Ahmed’s research at NeuRA. Eating abnormalities are present in 6 out of […]

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Beyond motor symptoms in MND

Motor neurone disease (MND), as discussed in previous posts, is not a disease of pure motor symptoms. MND can also affect one’s ability to perform complex judgments (e.g. financial decision-making) and leads to changes in behaviour (e.g. a person once very active and driven can become apathetic). These non-motor symptoms and behavioural changes often go unrecognised and underdiagnosed. In a […]

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