Motor Neuron Disease – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, May 24, 2018 by Ralph Flores

Motor neuron disease (MND), also referred to as motor neurone disease, is a collective term for a group of diseases that progressively damage the motor nerves in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. A person with MND will first experience it from his arms or legs, which will also affect the shoulders and other muscles. These will then become damaged and stop working eventually, resulting in a wasting of muscles. The condition may interfere with speech, chewing and swallowing, but it does not impair his touch, taste, sight, smell, or hearing.

There are various types of MNDs: These may start differently, but in later stages, these will overlap with each other.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type of MND – it occurs in eight of 10 cases of the disease. ALS starts in the hands and feet, with muscles becoming stiff at first.
Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) hits muscles used for talking, chewing, and swallowing (the bulbar muscles).
Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) is an uncommon type of MND wherein the small muscles of the hand and feet are affected, but these do not exhibit stiffness.
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare MND that weakens the leg muscles. This may also result in clumsiness in the hands, as well as speech problems.

Known risk factors and symptoms of motor neuron disease

The effects of MND vary for each person. For some, they may not exhibit all symptoms, or the rate of progression may vary as well.

Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass (wasting)
Cramps and spasms in the muscles
Stiff joints which limit the range of movement
Speech and communication problems
Swallowing difficulties
Problems with saliva, where it pools in the mouth or becomes thick
Weakened coughing
Breathing problems (i.e., breathlessness and fatigue)
Inappropriate emotional responses (i.e., laughing when feeling sad)
Changes in thinking and behavior

Body systems affected by motor neuron disease

MNDs affect two sets of motor neurons – the upper and lower motor neurons. In particular, lower motor neurons affect the skeletal muscles as well as all voluntary movement.

All MNDs are progressive in nature, and complications include the following.

Uncontrollable crying or laughing
Difficulty speaking and swallowing
A decline in cognitive functions called frontotemporal dementia
Loss of lung function, which usually results in death

Food items or nutrients that may prevent or relieve motor neuron disease

Keeping a balanced diet is a key factor in managing MND. In particular, as the condition progresses, it affects eating and swallowing; therefore, energy-dense food items can cut back the time it takes for a person with MND to eat. However, the texture of the food item should be appropriate for the patient, without compromising flavor and variety. The person should also have an adequate fluid intake to support bowel function and prevent urinary tract infection.

The following food groups should be eaten every day

Rice, cereal
Vegetables, legumes
Fruit
Dairy
Meat (including fish and poultry)
Eggs
Nuts

In particular, a diet heavy on plant-based food is recommended, with moderate amounts of animal food.

Treatment and management options for motor neuron disease

Currently, there is no cure for MND. At best, symptomatic and supportive treatment may help people with the condition and improve their quality of life.