MOTOR NEURON DISEASES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context:  The annual conference on MND 'Awareness, Care, and Management' at Nimhans, Bengaluru, emphasized that symptomatic and supportive treatments significantly improve condition management.

Motor Neuron Diseases (MNDs)

• About: MNDs are progressive neurological disorders that damage motor neurons, affecting voluntary muscle control crucial for activities like walking and speaking.
• Role of Motor Neurons: It is located in the brain and spinal cord transmit signals to muscles, directing their movements and functions.
• Age: While MNDs can manifest at any age, symptoms typically emerge after 50 years of age.
• Symptoms: Early signs include muscle weakness and speech difficulties, often leading to eventual paralysis as the disease advances.
• Gender Disparity: MNDs tend to affect more males than females.
• Causes of MND: The exact cause of MND remains unclear, but it is likely influenced by a blend of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors.

oApproximately 1 in 10 cases are familial, stemming from inherited genetic mutations or errors.

oMND encompasses various conditions such as ALS, progressive bulbar palsy, and spinal muscular atrophy, each with distinct characteristics and impacts.

• Prognosis: The average life expectancy post-diagnosis of ALS ranges from 3 to 5 years, though supportive care can extend survival in some cases.
• Treatment: Presently, there is no known cure or universally effective treatment for MNDs.