Motor Neurone Disease studies in Wales hoping to make a difference

To mark Global Motor Neurone Disease (MND) awareness day today (21 June), we take a look at the research happening in Wales hoping to speed up the development of effective treatments and therapies to change the lives of those with the disease.  

MND affects the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord that transmit electrical messages to control our muscles, leading to wasting and weakening of muscles. It is estimated approximately 5,000 people in the UK living with MND.  

There are currently eight MND studies taking place in Wales, with more than 240 people taking part. The studies range from trials for medicines, through to finding ways to improve the mental health guidance and support available for people with MND, their families and carers. 

Click on the studies below to find out more and how you could potentially get involved. 

• MND-SMART 
• MiNDToolkit Feasibility Study 
• An RCT of ACT for people with MND 
• MND Register for England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
• Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions Phase 1 
• Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions Phase 2 Demographics and Clinical Info 
• Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions Phase 3 Consent and questionnaire 
• Tonic 2 Phase 4 

Dr Thomas Massey, Specialty Lead for Neurological Disorders & for Dementias and Neurodegeneration at Health and Care Research Wales, said:  

“We are working ambitiously to improve access for people living with MND in Wales to clinical research, building on our established clinical care networks. This is an exciting time for MND research and we hope it will lead to new treatments and therapies that can improve quality of life for our patients."