“People lose the ability to move everything, including the muscles of breathing. From diagnosis to death is about two years-total three years from onset, that’s average.”
-Dr Emma Scotter
Treatment by genetic testing is now underway for motor neuron disease. Diagnosis usually occurs at 40 years of age. It progressively worsens the neurological systems of the body as we get older. The average life expectancy is three to five years after diagnosis.
New Zealand has the highest mortality rate when it comes to MND. Researchers are still trying to figure out the causes which continue to remain unknown. About 400 people struggle with this condition. Dr Emma Scotter, head of Motor Neurone Disease Research Lab, is currently working with her team of brilliant scientists in an effort to a find a cure for this. They have already managed to find a rare genetic mutation that is associated with MND. The journal Brain, has their work being published. They have worked with human brain tissue that has been donated by patients, suffering from MND. She also has made use of blood samples of patients for further study of the gene.
Scientists have found 35 genes to be linked to the disease. In 90% of cases, there’s no known family history. They believe that environmental toxins might be responsible. She hopes that her work will help put together the pieces of the puzzle, that is MND.
Nivea Vaz
Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara
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