Can MND Be Cured? A Deep Dive Into Treatment Options

In the early stage, MND symptoms develop gradually and may be mistaken for other conditions. The specific symptoms depend on the type of MND and where it starts in the body. Initial symptoms mostly appear in the arms and legs, mouth, or respiratory system and can include:

• Weight loss due to muscle loss
• A weak grip, making it hard to pick up or hold objects
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain, cramps, and twitches
• Slurred speech
• Weakness in arms and legs
• Clumsiness and stumbling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Unusual emotional responses, like laughing or crying

As MND progresses, these early symptoms become more severe. Additional symptoms during the middle stage may include:

• Muscle shrinking
• Difficulty with movement
• Joint pain
• Drooling due to swallowing issues
• Uncontrollable yawning, which may cause jaw pain
• Changes in personality or emotional states
• Increased difficulty breathing

A 2017 study found that up to half of people with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurological disorder), a form of MND, may experience brain-related symptoms, such as memory and language issues, and around 12–15% develop dementia. Some people may also experience insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

A person with MND often needs assistance with movement, eating, or breathing, sometimes requiring full support in the advanced stage. Breathing difficulties are the leading cause of life-threatening complications.

Here are some of the seating options that can ease an MND patient’s daily life:

• Consult an occupational therapist or physiotherapist for tailored advice.
• A stable, supportive chair can make a big difference in comfort and ease of movement.
• Add a headrest to make chairs more comfortable.
• Choose upright armchairs for added support.
• Use chair blocks to raise the height of an existing chair if needed.
• Consider manual or electric riser/recliner chairs for easier sitting and standing.
• Use pressure-relief cushions to reduce discomfort.

Bed comfort can be challenging with MND. Consider the following options:

• A mobile or overhead hoist, selected with therapist input, can assist in safe bed transfers.
• Bed blocks can raise the bed height, making it easier to get in and out.
• Use a monkey pole, backrest, or posture pillows for better positioning.
• Mattress elevators can help transition from lying down to sitting up.
• Choose specialized mattresses like airbeds or waterbeds for support.
• An adjustable bed, manual or electric, can help with repositioning.

Supporting forearms at a comfortable height can make tasks like eating and writing more accessible.

• Consider forearm or mobile arm supports, especially when using a wheelchair.
• Use an adjustable cantilever table or place a box under a table for support.
• A bed tray with tiny legs can also provide a stable working height.

Weak hand muscles may make everyday tasks difficult. Try the below adaptations:

• Get additional recommendations from an occupational therapist.
• Enlarge handles on cutlery, toothbrushes, or other items with rubber tubing or epoxy resin.
• Use a strap with a pocket across the palm to hold items.
• Opt for lightweight items that are easier to handle.

Simple electrical modifications can make it easier to control lighting and appliances.

• Using extension leads to bringing sockets to a more accessible height.
• Replace standard switches with rocker or touchpad switches.

Room-to-room communication and safety alerts can support independence:

• Alarms and computers that work by remote control are available for added ease.
• Use plug-in baby alarms or systems with radio, video, and music options.
• Some telephone systems can auto-call family or emergency services.
• Simple beepers or buzzers connected to light switches or pressure pads can signal for help.

A variety of devices can assist with opening doors, controlling lights, and operating appliances:

• Seek advice from an occupational therapist for the best devices.
• Automated door and window openers, as well as devices for controlling radios and TVs, are helpful.
• Consider plug-in timers to control heaters or lights for convenience.

Extra leverage on knobs and keys can simplify access:

• Install more giant knobs on door locks, or use enlarged vital grips.
• Use multipurpose knob turners for easier grip.

There are many telephone adaptations to help with communication:

• The Telstra Disability Equipment Program offers specialized phones suited for various needs.
• Lightweight mobile phones or smartphones are easy to operate.
• Hands-free telephones are convenient for longer calls.
• Use speed-dial phones that store numbers for one-button calling.

Weakened muscles can make carrying items difficult, so try:

• An apron with large pockets or a cross-body bag for hands-free carrying.
• Trays with non-slip surfaces for added stability.
• Stable, purpose-built trolleys for moving items quickly around the home.

Adjusting everyday tasks and environments can help people with MND stay more comfortable and independent.

One of the most significant advances in MND management has been using non-invasive ventilation (NIV), which aids breathing during sleep. This entails wearing a tiny, portable mask ventilator (often a bi-level positive airway pressure or BiPAP equipment) overnight. 

Many people rapidly adapt to the mask and find it improves their sleep quality. In advanced stages, some patients may utilize a nasal mask with NIV during the day.

As MND advances, swallowing issues (dysphagia) can make eating difficult. Early on, a speech therapist and dietician might offer helpful advice such as avoiding specific meals, sitting straight, and utilizing thicker beverages. As the condition progresses, eating may become more difficult owing to weakening muscles or dysphagia, perhaps leading to malnutrition. 

Losing weight or body mass has been associated with shorter life. Hence, enteral feeding alternatives, such as a gastrostomy (feeding tube), are frequently indicated when weight loss is considerable.

Specialized MND clinics bring together a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care that has been found to increase survival rates and shorten hospital stays. The team may comprise a neurologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietician, speech therapist, and respiratory care specialist. A neurologist frequently organizes treatment, ensuring patients’ demands are fulfilled as they grow.

These life-prolonging treatments cannot cure MND, but they can give critical support for comfort, independence, and health.

Stem cell therapy, mainly using bone marrow-derived cells, has shown promise in treating MND by replenishing and preserving motor neurons.

• Neural cells are formed from bone marrow-derived cells and aid in tissue healing.
• These cells promote cell growth and provide a favourable environment for motor neurons.
• They shield motor neuron cells and secrete chemicals aiding cell repair and function.

As MND advances, motor neurons in the spinal cord and motor cortex degenerate, while sensory capabilities remain unchanged. Both glial cells and bone marrow-derived cells may help regenerate damaged motor neurons.

Cellular treatment, including hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, can allow these cells to move to the damaged part of the spinal cord, giving much-needed assistance to motor neurons.

Clinical trials in India show that stem cell therapy is a safe therapeutic option, and continuing research is improving procedures such as intracerebral, intraspinal, and intrathecal cell transplants to optimize efficacy.

Ayurveda offers herbal wisdom and natural therapies that highlight healing in a gentle way, steering clear of harsh treatments or unwanted side effects. It focuses on creating a balance between the mind, body, and soul.

Herbal medications and ointments are great for helping to balance the body’s three doshas: Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. The Ayurvedic treatments for motor neuron disease emphasize several essential techniques for slowing down nerve cell deterioration:

1. Purifying the Body

The initial phase focuses on removing deeply rooted impurities that can arise from environmental influences or hereditary factors. Panchakarma is frequently the preferred approach for cleansing the body. Intensive panchakarma may not be suitable for some individuals due to their advanced state of degeneration. In such a scenario, detoxification is carefully treated with targeted medications. This provides a secure and nurturing approach to MND treatment.

2. Rasayana Therapy

Rasayana therapy provides essential nourishment and support. Simple yet effective herbs such as Ashwagandha, Amla, and Mulethi can aid in strengthening the body. More detailed preparations like Brahmarasayana or Chyawanprash might be suggested according to your specific requirements. The doctor selects the appropriate blend of these treatments to deliver significant rejuvenating support.

Homeopathy’s approach is distinctly tailored to each person’s specific needs.

In order to find the right remedy, the practitioner will consider your physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. Homeopathic remedies are available in multiple formats, such as liquids, granules, powders, or tablets.

Your practitioner may also recommend changes to your lifestyle or diet as part of the plan. Some people may notice a temporary increase in symptoms, known as ‘aggravation,’ which can occur before improvement begins. If you experience this, let your homeopath and doctor know, especially if it feels intense. Your homeopath might even suggest consulting another healthcare provider if necessary.

Several types of therapists offer essential aid to MND patients:

1. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy, or OT, focuses on assisting MND patients to regain independence with everyday tasks. It’s all about getting your strength back, boosting your stamina and hand function, and tackling fatigue head-on. 

Many MND patients notice significant improvements in their motor skills. They find they can take on more daily tasks by themselves, which means they need less help from a caregiver. At MedicoExperts, our incredible team of occupational therapists helps patients boost their functionality and regain their sense of security.

2. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps MND patients, particularly with their posture and mobility. It can help with posture, keep joints from getting stiff, and slow down muscle weakness and atrophy. 

Maintaining mobility is crucial even when muscle strength starts to decline. The physiotherapists at MedicoExperts have years of experience and will prepare personalized exercise plans that fit each patient’s needs, lifestyle, and goals.

3. Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy can be extremely beneficial for people with MND. MND impacts the muscles in the mouth, tongue, and throat, which can cause problems with swallowing and talking.

A speech therapist helps people keep their communication skills and swallowing abilities in check. They work with patients to manage symptoms and get back to producing speech and sounds.

When it comes to diet programs, dietitians team up with MND patients to craft personalized meal plans. These plans are tailored to fit their specific nutritional needs and help support their treatment goals. It helps with managing symptoms and retains muscle strength. Getting the right nutrition is super important for avoiding weight loss and malnutrition, which are pretty common issues in MND.

A diet that includes plenty of lean proteins, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats can really help MND patients out. It’s a good idea to cut back on processed foods, sugary snacks, and too much caffeine for better health.

Medications can help decrease symptom development and relieve discomfort. Other examples include muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and riluzole. In later stages, assistive aids such as braces, orthotics, speech synthesizers, and wheelchairs are required to enable patients to maintain as much independence as possible.

Additionally, ventilator assistance may be needed when respiratory function is impaired. While there is no cure for MND, these combination therapy and support measures can assist persons affected to improve their health and extend their independence.

Combination therapy is a multi-targeted approach to treating MND.

Over the last two decades, combination treatments have revolutionized cancer therapy and are also making progress in neurodegenerative diseases such as MND. Unlike medicines that target a single route, combination therapies attempt to address numerous defective pathways at once, potentially slowing or preventing disease development. Such an approach may provide a fresh outlook, particularly because many medications previously declared useless in clinical trials only addressed one element of MND.

How is Combination Therapy developed for MND?

MedicoExperts develops a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to treating MND symptoms. This team collaborates to create personalized treatment plans that capitalize on each discipline’s strengths, stem cell therapy to support cell regeneration, Ayurveda to detoxify and restore body balance, homeopathy to target symptom relief, and other therapeutic methods to improve overall well-being.

With these strategies, MedicoExperts provides patients with a holistic approach to MND therapy that improves symptom management, boosts function, and improves overall health. 

MedicoExperts is the first center that combines Ayurveda, homeopathy, and stem cell therapy under one roof to provide maximum comfort to MND patients.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/motor-neurone-disease/#:~:text=There’s%20no%20cure%20for%20MND,unfortunately%2C%20eventually%20leads%20to%20death.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/motor-neurone-disease-mnd

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motor-neurone-disease-mnd#symptoms

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/motor-neurone-disease#coping-with-the-effects-of-mnd

https://www.mndnsw.org.au/about-mnd/what-is-mnd/70-causes.html

Ayurvedic Treatment for Motor Neuron Disease

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgrrnxxrwy8o

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2270983