Motor Neurone Disease (MND): Signs, Symptoms, Progression & Support

How Does Motor Neurone Disease Progress?

MND is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms generally worsen over time.

However, there is no universal MND progression timeline.

Some people experience relatively rapid changes, while others live with the condition for considerably longer. 

As MND progresses, a person may experience increasing difficulties involving:

• walking and mobility
• balance
• arm and hand movement
• transferring between a chair, bed or toilet
• completing personal care and household activities
• speaking and communicating
• chewing and swallowing
• managing saliva
• breathing
• fatigue



Some people experience changes in cognition, behaviour or mood, and a smaller proportion develop a form of dementia.

Is There a Cure for MND?

Currently, there is no cure for motor neurone disease (MND). However, treatments and support can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression in some people, and improve quality of life.

Treatment for MND may include medication, physiotherapy, speech therapy, nutritional support and breathing support. Assistive equipment can also make everyday activities easier.



Researchers worldwide continue to study MND and explore possible new treatments. This includes research into new medicines, gene-based therapies and other approaches that may improve how MND is treated in the future.

Is It Possible to Prevent Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?

At present, there is no known way to prevent motor neurone disease (MND). In most cases, it is not clear why a person develops the condition.

Research suggests that, in some cases, a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. However, having a possible risk factor does not mean someone will develop MND.

Because there is no proven method of preventing MND, the focus is generally on early diagnosis, managing symptoms and providing practical support.

Can Someone With MND Continue Living Independently?

Many people living with MND want to remain in their own home and retain as much independence as possible.

Independence does not necessarily mean completing every activity without assistance. Appropriate equipment, home modifications, and support can help someone keep making choices and participating in everyday life even as their physical abilities change.

Professionals involved in MND care may include:

• GPs
• neurologists
• nurses
• physiotherapists
• occupational therapists
• speech pathologists
• dietitians
• respiratory specialists
• social workers
• psychologists
• palliative care professionals

Making the Home Safer for Someone With MND

Changes in mobility are among the most significant practical challenges for many people living with MND.

Muscle weakness can make walking more difficult and may cause someone to stumble or lose their balance. Falls can be particularly concerning for someone whose muscle strength is already reduced. A person who falls may also have difficulty getting back onto their feet or reaching a phone to ask for assistance.

As strength and mobility change, the home environment may need to change as well.



An occupational therapist can assess how a person manages everyday activities and identify areas where modifications or equipment could improve accessibility and safety.

Depending on individual needs, this might involve reviewing:

• access into and around the home
• stairs and steps
• bathrooms and toilets
• shower access
• bed and chair transfers
• floor surfaces and trip hazards
• furniture positioning
• lighting
• frequently used household items
• mobility equipment
• methods of calling for assistance

Planning ahead can be especially valuable with a progressive condition. Making changes before they become urgently necessary may reduce disruption and give the person time to become comfortable with new equipment.

Supporting Someone Living With MND

One of the most useful approaches is to involve the person living with MND in decisions wherever possible.

Rather than automatically taking over tasks, consider discussing:

• what the person would still like to do independently
• which activities are becoming difficult
• what assistance they would find useful
• what equipment may make tasks easier
• who should be contacted in an emergency
• future care preferences
• how family and professional carers can share responsibilities

If you are aged 65 or over and living with MND, you may also be eligible for priority access to aged care support through the Support at Home program.

→ Read our guide to MND priority access under Support at Home

Carers also need support themselves. There is available information and resources for carers, family members and friends that can provide additional assistance.

Creating an Emergency Plan

Because MND can affect mobility, speech, swallowing and breathing, planning for unexpected situations is particularly important.

An emergency plan might record:

• emergency contact details
• the person's diagnosis and important medical information
• current medications
• communication needs
• mobility and transfer requirements
• breathing or respiratory equipment
• feeding or swallowing considerations
• preferred hospital or healthcare contacts
• details of family members, carers and healthcare professionals

Copies can be kept somewhere accessible and shared with appropriate carers or family members.

If the person uses a personal alarm, family members may also wish to discuss who should be nominated as contacts and what should happen when an alert is activated.