Palliative care is an important part of managing motor neurone disease (MND). It focuses on quality of life, symptom management and support for the person and those close to them.
Palliative care should be introduced early and continue alongside other care and support. As the disease progresses, care may shift towards end of life planning and support.
On this page you will find:
- the role of palliative care in MND
- how needs may change over time
- what to consider in practice
- end of life care and planning
- further guidance and resources.
Understanding palliative care in MND
Palliative care in MND focuses on supporting quality of life from diagnosis onwards.
This includes:
- managing symptoms
- supporting psychological and emotional wellbeing
- providing social and practical support
- supporting families and carers.
Palliative care is not limited to the end of life and should be integrated alongside other aspects of care.
How needs may change over time
MND is a progressive condition, and care needs will change over time.
People may require increasing support with:
- mobility and function
- communication
- eating and drinking
- breathing.
Needs may change gradually or more rapidly, and regular review is important.
What to consider in practice
A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is essential.
- Involve palliative care services early where appropriate.
- Support symptom management across physical, psychological and social needs.
- Communicate openly and honestly, in line with the person’s preferences.
- Involve family members and carers in discussions and support.
- Review needs regularly and adapt care accordingly.
Care should be person centred and responsive to what matters most to the individual.
Advance care planning
Advance care planning allows people to express their preferences for future care.
This may include:
- preferred place of care
- preferences around interventions and treatments
- decisions about ventilation or feeding
- involvement of family members or carers.
Discussions should be introduced sensitively and revisited over time, as preferences may change.
End of life care
As MND progresses, care may become focused on end of life support.
This includes:
- managing symptoms such as breathlessness, pain or secretions
- ensuring comfort and dignity
- supporting communication where this is affected
- providing emotional support to the person and those close to them.
Recognising when a person may be approaching the end of life can help ensure that care is coordinated and aligned with their wishes.
Supporting families and carers
Families and carers play an important role in supporting people with MND.
They may need:
- practical support with care
- information and guidance
- emotional support.
Support should continue into bereavement where needed.
Further guidance and resources
You may find the following resources helpful:
A professional's guide to end of life care in MND
Information on end of life for people with or affected by MND
You can find further guidance on symptom management and support across the Management of MND section.
Page last updated: April 2026
Next review: April 2029