Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
Motor neurone disease (MND), also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative condition where the nerve cells that control muscle movement break down.
Overview
Motor neurone disease (MND), also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative condition where the nerve cells that control muscle movement break down. This leads to muscle weakness, wasting, and loss of voluntary movement. In Australia, about 2,100 people are living with MND, with an average survival of 2–5 years from symptom onset (MND Australia, 2023).
Common Misunderstandings
MND does not affect thinking or senses in most people, but its rapid progression can be devastating. Patients and families often feel frustrated at the lack of curative options and the overwhelming focus on symptom management.
How is MND Linked to Your Microbiome?
- Emerging studies suggest gut microbiome changes in MND, with reduced beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila and altered metabolic pathways (Zhang et al., 2017).
- In mouse models, certain gut bacteria appear to influence disease severity via immune and metabolic effects (Blacher et al., 2019).
- Human studies are still small and observational, and it’s unclear whether dysbiosis is a cause, consequence, or both. Research into microbiome-targeted therapies in MND is ongoing.
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