Living with Motor Neurone Disease

Book excerpt: Living with Motor Neurone Disease: A complete guide is designed to guide the reader through this complex progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means that messages gradually stop reaching the muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting. Motor Neurone Disease can affect the everyday things that we take for granted. A diagnosis of MND can be frightening and overwhelming. Good quality information and support from people who understand MND is vital at this time. Living with Motor Neurone Disease is written by many of the most distinguished Irish experts on MND, bringing safe, reliable, practical information and reassurance to everyone affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Having accurate information and timely access to the best available services including doctors, neurologists, MND outreach nurses and local community healthcare professionals makes all the difference when it comes to a person's journey with MND. This is a step-by-step guide for everyone which explains what MND is; how it is diagnosed; how it affects the individual and the family; the psychological dimensions of the condition; the caregiver experience; living with the condition and facing the future; how to talk to children and adolescents; how to tell family and friends; how to adapt working conditions and home life; and it describes all the supports; medical, psychological technological and practical to cope with the daily impact of living with MND. In summary, it is an invaluable resource to inform, educate prepare and signpost people toward practical everyday supports and clinical expertise. Living with Motor Neurone Disease: A complete guide is a must-read for professionals; for doctors, nurses, educationalists, for psychologists, systemic family therapists and psychotherapists, those working in human resources and everyone who needs to understand the condition when they encounter it.