Breakthrough research signals new era for Australians living with motor neurone disease 

After decades in the shadows, motor neurone disease (MND) has received a major boost with a series of research breakthroughs that give clearer direction for finding a cure to this baffling disease.

Findings in recent studies have shone light on a mistake in the quality control of the recycling process within MND cells. It is the third major MND breakthrough since August and provides further evidence that a common biological mechanism is involved in all forms of motor neurone disease.

‘Scientists are starting to identify the genes involved in this process,’ says Carol Birks, Executive Director at Motor Neurone Disease Australia. ‘Similar problems appear to occur in other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. This should encourage pharmaceutical companies to pursue development of treatments to improve protein processing and hopefully prevent neurones from dying.’

Dr Paul Brock AM has been living with motor neurone disease for 15 years. ‘This still incurable, inevitably terminal disease kills more Australians every year than does AIDS, but so few people have even heard of it. About 10% of people afflicted with MND have inherited the disease from within the family line – this is referred to as the ‘familial’ form of MND. The remaining 90% are said to be afflicted with the ‘sporadic’ form – which, it might be said, is medical jargon for ‘we do not understand the cause’. We desperately need more research into understanding the cause, slowing the progression, and finding a cure for this mongrel disease.’

Carol Birks says, ‘It’s the nature of this disease that people are desperate for information and news of research breakthroughs. Despite being described over 140 years ago, there remains no known cause or cure for this terminal disease that affects 1,400 Australians.’

‘Motor neurone disease touches people’s hearts. In 2011 Australians donated a record $1.4 million for research funded by MND Australia into a cause or causes, control and cure of MND. I think the generosity of donations is a reflection of how much this awful disease affects people,’ says Carol.

Recent MND research grants from the Federal Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to the value of just over $2.6 million have further boosted momentum for research and ensured that Australia continues to play a key role in fighting this disease.

MND is a rapidly progressing, terminal disease in which nerves weaken and waste, causing near-total paralysis of the body. The mind is usually unaffected, leaving people trapped in their body. Average survival time after diagnosis is just 2-3 years.

Australians with MND are gathering in Sydney today to hear about the latest research from leading international experts at the 22nd International ALS/MND symposium.

For more details on these and other scientific breakthroughs, see Motor Neurone Disease Association (UK) research news.

For more information or to interview Dr Paul Brock, contact:
Carol Birks, National Executive Director, MND Australia: carolb@mndaust.asn.au
Anna Dawbin, Communications Manager, MND Australia:  annad@mndaust.asn.au