02 February 2024 , 20:00
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Motor neurone disease (MND) affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.
The condition can occur in adults at any age, but is more likely to affect those over 50. There is currently no cure for MND, but treatments are available to help reduce its impact on daily tasks such as moving around and swallowing.
According to the NHS, MND can 'significantly' shorten one's life expectancy and will 'eventually lead to death' - but sufferers can still live for many years or even decades with the disease. So, what are the early warning signs of MND - and when should you seek medical attention?
The NHS urges Brits to see their GP if they're showing early signs of MND. It's important to remember that experiencing symptoms does not necessarily mean you have the disease, as they overlap with many other health problems. These include:
- Weakness in the ankle or leg
- Slurred speech / Difficulty swallowing
- Weak grip
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Weight loss: your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time
- Difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations (emotional lability)
MND Association also lists breathing problems, fatigue, numbness in hands, feet or limbs, and 'changes to thinking and behaviour' as potential warning signs. Not all signs may present themselves at the same time, so seek medical attention if you're concerned about your symptoms.
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MND was thrown into the spotlight after rugby league legend Rob Burrows was diagnosed with the condition in 2019. Since then, he and his wife Lindsay have helped fundraise a whopping £13 million for the disease and received a Pride of Britain award last year.
In 2023 the couple featured in an eponymous documentary showing how the 'impact of this debilitating and terminal disease on both the patients themselves and the families'. Tonight, the couple reveal the shocking truth about unpaid care in the UK.
You can watch Lindsey Burrow - Who Cares for Our Carers on ITV1 at 8.30pm tonight (February 1). If you or a loved one are concerned about MND, check out these resources.