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Frequently Asked Questions

“When diagnosed with MND life goes on, but it is different.
We live in the 21st Century and we can adapt in ways that were not possible 10 years ago. The future will bring more and more.” Lee
Living with MND
The challenges can feel overwhelming. Planning ahead can help you maintain the best possible quality of life.
Mobility & Personal Care
Movement and mobility are likely to be affected by MND and these symptoms progress over time. This can impact on how you do things, get around and manage personal care.
- For an overview of how to manage daily life with MND, see our Living with motor neurone disease guide.

Speech & Communication
MND can cause speech to become faint, slurred or unclear. It can also affect gesture and facial expression. This means communication can become increasingly difficult over time.
Find out how speech is affected and the techniques and aids that can help – Speech and communication guide.

Eating & Drinking
If MND affects your swallow, you may find it harder to eat and drink. If movement and mobility are affected, mealtimes can take longer and you may lose weight or struggle in social occasions.
- This full colour publication reads more like a cookery book than a guide – Eating and drinking guide.

Emotions, Thinking & Behaviour
Any diagnosis of serious illness brings mixed emotions. Feelings can be unpredictable and intense, which is natural and expected. Thinking and behaviour may also be affected.
“People may not want to discuss things immediately, but they can always seek help later.” – Person with MND

Relationships & Family
Over time, support will be needed with MND and those close to you are likely to become involved in your care. This can raise questions about how relationships and social networks will change.
Explaining a diagnosis of MND to other people may feel difficult. See – Section 5: Family, children and friends

Breathing & Ventilation
Breathing may be affected, but there is a lot of support available. MND does not stop your body processing air, but it can weaken the muscles that help your lungs to inhale and exhale.
- To find out what can be done to help, see information sheet Support for breathing problems

Keep on moving
Learning to maximise your life with MND is something that many of our members are passionate about – and eager to share their own experiences in order to help others.