Course

Objectives 

By the end of this section you will be able to describe:

• what MND is
• who it affects
• its causes

This course includes personal reflections from people living with the disease and members of their families.

To progress through this course, click on each of the topic headings under each section to watch a video or read information, and then complete the task at the end of the section to unlock the next one.

This section deals with the process of diagnosing MND, from recognising initial signs through to confirming the diagnosis. As part of this, we will hear more personal recollections from Sarah, David, Ricardo and Jan — people with MND who were introduced earlier in the course. You will also be introduced to a common tool used by GPs to assess patients for the possibility of an MND diagnosis.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will:

• understand how someone is diagnosed with MND
• appreciate the importance of a timely diagnosis
• be familiar with the Red Flags tool to support diagnosis

Complete the tasks at the end of this section to unlock the next one.

This section deals with the physical effects that MND may have on someone. This will be supported by brief personal recollections of this aspect of living with MND from Jan, David, Ricardo and Sarah.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will:

• understand the effects of MND on the limbs and movement
• have been introduced to aids, adaptations and physiotherapy
• recognise the impact of pain

At the end of the section there is a task which must be completed in order to unlock the next section.

Bulbar weakness can affect the muscles in the throat, tongue and mouth, causing difficulties with speech and swallowing. This section will explore the effects of bulbar weakness.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will:

• understand how MND affects swallowing
• have been introduced to saliva problems in MND
• recognise some of the speech and communication issues MND can cause

You will need to achieve a minimum score in the activities for this section to unlock the next.

This section focuses on the effects that MND can have on breathing, and will include some of the options available for managing related symptoms, including assisted ventilation. We'll also hear some more personal stories on these themes from Ricardo, David and Jan.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will:

• gain insight into the impact of MND on breathing
• explore the role of assisted ventilation
• recognise the risks that oxygen therapy can pose to someone with MND

Completing the final task will unlock the next section.

There is now an increased awareness that MND does not only affect the body. Around half of people with MND will experience changes to their thinking and behaviour, known as cognitive change. A small proportion will go on to develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This can have a significant impact on people with MND, their carers, and families. This section will explore these symptoms.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will:

• understand how MND affects cognition
• be introduced to frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
• explore the impact of these conditions on the person with MND and their family

You will need to achieve a minimum score in this section’s activities to unlock the next.

A diagnosis of MND can be devastating, both for people living with the disease and everyone around them. This section will encourage you to think about the psychological impact of MND.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will:

• recognise the emotional impact of an MND diagnosis on individuals and their families
• understand the range of emotional responses that may arise at different stages of the disease
• identify professionals who can offer emotional and psychological support

Completing the final task will unlock the next section.

As MND is rapidly progressive, it is crucial that end of life is sensitively discussed and planned for. This section will explore the benefits of early referrals to palliative care services, planning ahead for the end of life, and bereavement.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will:

• have an understanding of the role of palliative care
• have been introduced to advance care planning, and its role in supporting people with MND

This is the final section of this course. You will need to achieve a minimum score in the activities in this section combined with your results from the other sections to officially complete the course.

The MND Association would like to thank you for completing this course, An introduction to motor neurone disease.