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• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Mike - Interview 23 >> He was aware his speech was becoming slurred before anyone else noticed, until one day at work someone assumed he must be drunk. [Mike is unable to sp

Mike was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND 2 years ago in 2005. He is now unable to speak, so was interviewed through his wife Gill. He uses a whiteboard and Lightwriter to communicate. He has a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy).

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Tess - Interview 44 >> They get up early so she can help her partner get ready for work before she goes to work herself. She tends not to talk much to colleagues about it.

Tess met her partner, who had already been diagnosed with MND, when volunteering at a sailing club for disabled people. She now lives with him and is his main carer. (See Marcelin, MND37)

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Dick - Interview 42 >> His employers encouraged him to work at home whenever he wanted, to be with his wife. They offered him counselling if he needed it.

Dick was married to Di, who was diagnosed with MND two and a half years ago (2004). She died 6 months ago, aged 64.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Roger - Interview 41 >> When his wife started to slur her speech people thought she'd had too much to drink. He noticed she was becoming frustrated and agitated.

Roger was married to Teresa, who was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND. She died a year ago, aged 64, less than six months after the diagnosis.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Sue - Interview 31 >> She went to a fit-ball class to help with aching in her neck and arms, and afterwards found she could not speak properly. [Voice software interview].

Sue was diagnosed with bulbar onset motor neurone disease less than a year ago (2006). She is now unable to speak and uses a laptop with voice software. Her arms and legs are still relatively strong.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Penny - Interview 11 >> Most people were very supportive but her mother was angry at the diagnosis, and one of her friends also found it hard to accept.

Penny was diagnosed three years ago (2003) with ALS, after having arm weakness, pains and coughing fits for three years. The condition has progressed quite slowly so far.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Martin - Interview 40 >> He enjoyed working in construction, but he had to give up because he just couldn't do it physically any more.

Martin was diagnosed about a year ago in 2006, after a year of weakness in his fingers and hands. Movement in his arms is now very limited, but his legs and speech are not affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Jim - Interview 18 >> It was upsetting having to explain the diagnosis to lots of different people and make them understand how serious it was, but he couldn't move forward

Jim was diagnosed 2 years ago (2005) with Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) form of MND. His legs and arms are affected but not speech.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Ann - Interview 24 >> It's frustrating trying to make yourself understood when you have speech problems. She went to an adult education class but couldn't contribute as muc

Ann was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND within the last 6 months (in 2006), after speech and swallowing difficulties. She is about to have a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG).

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Ann - Interview 24 >> Some people have been supportive, others have stopped phoning altogether. She has not yet thought how to tell her old school friend.

Ann was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND within the last 6 months (in 2006), after speech and swallowing difficulties. She is about to have a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG).

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Ken - Interview 15 >> The location and design of ramps and dropped kerbs is often a problem but his local council has responded quickly to his suggestions.

Ken was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) form of MND 5 years ago (2002). His arm muscles were affected first, followed by his leg muscles. His speech is not affected and his condition has progressed more slowly than he originally expected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Sandy - Interview 36 >> He can still go on walks but not as long as he used to. He still goes to his local pub sometimes and has a personal bar stool reserved for him.

Sandy was diagnosed 5 years ago (2002) after noticing weakness in one arm. His arms have been worst affected, and now his speech and neck muscles are deteriorating, but he can still walk well.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Roland - Interview 17 >> If you explain your mobility problems and ask people for help they are usually very kind and sympathetic.

Roland was diagnosed 7 years ago (1999) with Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) form of MND. His hand muscles are affected but not his speech.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Ken - Interview 15 >> Wheelchair access and disabled parking seem easier in France. People are more firmly discouraged from using parking spaces for disabled people.

Ken was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) form of MND 5 years ago (2002). His arm muscles were affected first, followed by his leg muscles. His speech is not affected and his condition has progressed more slowly than he originally expected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PLS (primary lateral sclerosis) >> Peter - Interview 20 >> Travelling abroad can be difficult to arrange but it's worth the trouble. PLS does not seem to be a problem for travel insurance. [Peter cannot speak

Peter was diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) 8 years ago (1998). Symptoms progressed quickly at first, but now more slowly. His speech was severely affected, so he was interviewed through his wife Ann. His mobility is also affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Penny - Interview 11 >> She loves travelling all over the world, but travel insurance costs a lot. She does not book too far ahead so she knows what she will be able to manag

Penny was diagnosed three years ago (2003) with ALS, after having arm weakness, pains and coughing fits for three years. The condition has progressed quite slowly so far.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Slawomir - Interview 33 >> His mother shouted at him when he told her he might have MND.

Slawomir was diagnosed 3 months ago, 18 months after first noticing weakness in his leg. He wonders if he may in fact have Lyme Disease. He can still walk and drive.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PLS (primary lateral sclerosis) >> James - Interview 16 >> He is battling to get disabled parking spaces closer to public buildings but the council says they meet government guidelines. He finds a scooter more

James was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) 15 years ago (1991). His wife also had MND and died 3 years ago, 2 years after her diagnosis.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Judith - Interview 12 >> She lost weight and was advised to eat high calorie, high fat foods and fortified drinks. A big plate of food is too daunting. She prefers not to eat

Judith was diagnosed with Progressive Muscular Atrophy form of MND two years ago, after consulting two neurologists. Now she uses a wheelchair and mobility scooter.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Liz - Interview 39 >> She still enjoys her food and eating out, even though she thought she'd be embarrassed about being helped to eat in public.

Liz was diagnosed with inherited form of MND in 2004. (Her father and uncle both had MND). Weakness in her legs progressed to her arms; she is now in a wheelchair. Her speech is unaffected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Liz - Interview 39 >> People seem to feel awkward about reaching out to touch her hand or place something in it. The most helpful thing is when people anticipate her needs.

Liz was diagnosed with inherited form of MND in 2004. (Her father and uncle both had MND). Weakness in her legs progressed to her arms; she is now in a wheelchair. Her speech is unaffected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Peter - Interview 38 >> Travelling abroad is too much trouble. Hotels with special facilities exist but cost a lot, and air travel is very stressful.

Peter was diagnosed three years ago (2004). Symptoms started in his arms and hands, and progressed to his legs. He now uses a wheelchair full-time.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Ken - Interview 34 >> They put a note in their Christmas cards explaining Ken's diagnosis. Most friends have been supportive, but some are unsure whether to come and visit.

Ken was diagnosed with rare inherited (familial) form of MND less than a year ago (2006). He has limited arm and leg movement, has a PEG and uses a Lightwriter to speak, but carried on working until a month ago. Interviewed through his wife Chris.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Sylvia - Interview 25 >> She told friends she was ill in her Christmas cards, because she thought they'd feel awful if she died and they hadn't known.

Sylvia was diagnosed a year ago in 2005, after noticing difficulties walking. She can move around at home with a trolley, and uses a wheelchair or scooter outdoors. She uses non-invasive ventilation regularly.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Bev - Interview 47 >> After her mother was diagnosed she took her on holiday with one of her mother's friends. She was shocked that the friend was unsympathetic because of

Bev's mother died about a year after developing speech and swallowing difficulties and being diagnosed with bulbar onset MND, aged 72. Her family were unhappy with many aspects of the care received.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Phil - Interview 28 >> He felt very vulnerable telling his employers but they were fantastic. He liked it when people treated him as if it was 'business as usual'.

Phil was diagnosed just over a year ago, after nearly 2 years of leg weakness. He is still able to walk at home but uses a wheelchair and scooter outdoors. He has some weakness in his right arm.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Sylvia - Interview 25 >> Using a scooter gives her great freedom. She can get into most shops. When she got stuck in a small shop once she asked the staff to carry her out. Sh

Sylvia was diagnosed a year ago in 2005, after noticing difficulties walking. She can move around at home with a trolley, and uses a wheelchair or scooter outdoors. She uses non-invasive ventilation regularly.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Ken - Interview 34 >> He finds his 'Say-it! SAM' device quicker than a Lightwriter and more fun. Other people don't get so impatient waiting for him to say something. [Ken

Ken was diagnosed with rare inherited (familial) form of MND less than a year ago (2006). He has limited arm and leg movement, has a PEG and uses a Lightwriter to speak, but carried on working until a month ago. Interviewed through his wife Chris.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Sylvia - Interview 25 >> She has been lucky to have a good life and happy family, so she doesn't think 'why me?' A vicar asked her if she was angry with God but she feels it's

Sylvia was diagnosed a year ago in 2005, after noticing difficulties walking. She can move around at home with a trolley, and uses a wheelchair or scooter outdoors. She uses non-invasive ventilation regularly.