Motor Neurone Disease

Last quality assured: 02/09/2026

11-minute read

A man in a wheelchair talking to a caregiver

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For any health and social care worker who feels this resource supports their CPD

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a rare but devastating neurological condition which leads to progressive paralysis and ultimately death. Use this resource to increase your understanding of MND and learn more about diagnosis and available treatments.

Who is this resource for?

All nurse roles

Resource contents

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Movement and mobility are likely to be affected by MND and symptoms will progress over time, sometimes rapidly. This can impact on how people living with MND carry out activities of daily life and get around. Adaptations to the home may be required, and equipment needed to enable the person to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Thoughtful forward planning is essential

As MND progresses, the muscles between the ribs, and the diaphragm itself weaken, this leads to respiratory problems. Breathing issues in turn cause other symptoms, such as fatigue and breathlessness. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in MND. Techniques and equipment are available to help with breathing.

Bulbar refers to an area at the base of the brainstem, the motor neurones from here control muscles in the tongue, pharynx and larynx. When affected by MND issues with swallowing (dysphagia) occur making it harder to eat and drink. Weakness in the tongue, lips, vocal cords and chest, can cause speech to become faint, slurred or unclear (dysarthria). Communication can become increasingly difficult as symptoms progress.

Graphic of human silhouette with a gauge in their head set to maximum Some people with MND will experience changes to their thinking and behaviour. This may affect the way they take in information, process language, express emotion and react to others. Changes can be mild or barely noticeable, for others they are more pronounced and obvious.

MND is a life-shortening disease. Making plans for adjustment in the future includes end of life decisions – so planning ahead with MND can be emotionally challenging. Conversations with your patient on these matters may be difficult but they do ensure that the wishes of the person in your care are respected.

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Resource last reviewed 02/09/2026

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PDF created on: 9 Sept 2026.

Downloaded from: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk/Testing/Motor-Neurone-Disease.

Please check: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk for a more up-to-date version of this content.

Last reviewed: 02/09/2026

Last quality assured: 02/09/2026

11-minute read