Causes of MND

In most cases, motor neurone disease (MND) appears for no apparent reason in people with no family history of the disease – this is known clinically as sporadic MND. However, in about 5 - 10% of cases, family history of the disease indicates that inherited genetic damage causes the condition. This is termed familial MND.

Researchers are trying to understand the cause of MND from many angles. The ultimate goals are discovering how to stop, slow down or prevent MND.

Why me?

One of the most commonly asked questions from people living with MND is ‘What caused me to develop this disease? Was it my occupation, my hobby or the way I was made?’.


How much of MND is inherited?

For the majority of people who develop MND, genetics plays a very minor role in contributing towards the chances of developing the disease. For a small percentage of people, who have the familial form of MND, their genetic make up is more significant.


What causes motor neurones to die?

Painstaking research has provided evidence of disruption to many processes within the cellular infrastructure of motor neurones and their support cells.