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• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Marcelin - Interview 37 >> When he finally got a diagnosis after 7 years, he felt hopeless and that there was no point going on. It took a long time to accept it and find a way

Marcelin was diagnosed over three years ago (in 2003), after several years of weakness in his arms, and later his legs. He now uses a wheelchair. His speech is unaffected. He continues to work full-time. (Partner Tess also interviewed, MND44).

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Pauline - Interview 30 >> She goes to the gym as much as she wants. Keeping fit and active helps her fight the condition and stay positive.

Pauline was diagnosed with PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) about 2 years ago (2005), after several years of leg weakness. She cannot walk far and uses a wheelchair, but is still able to work full-time.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Phil - Interview 28 >> There was a delay between the diagnosis and seeing an MND specialist. All he could think about was being terminally ill. The specialist helped him loo

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 >> Bulbar onset >> Vim - Interview 32 >> He couldn't take in how serious the diagnosis was. He had to ring the doctor to ask what he'd been told. He cried for six months, but then began feeli

Vim was diagnosed just over a year ago in 2006 with bulbar onset MND. His speech is affected but he can still talk, and he can still walk independently. He has retired early.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Ann & Barry - Interview 48 >> Everything turned on their belief that Barry did not have long to live, not knowing he had PLS. Looking back Ann feels they lost out on many things.

Ann's husband Barry was diagnosed with MND about 10 years ago (1997) at the age of 49, after two years of symptoms and tests. (Since identified as primary lateral sclerosis - PLS).

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Michael - Interview 29 >> You need to know some things, but he feels too fragile to find out about progression and prognosis. Staff must inform people sensitively but there's n

Michael was diagnosed less than a year ago in 2006 after noticing weakness in his right arm. His arm weakness remains his main symptom, and it has got worse. Currently he is on sick leave from work.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Kim - Interview 10 >> She values contact through the BUILD-UK site, but has taken a break from it, as she felt MND was taking over her life. She's not sure she'd want face-

Kim was diagnosed with MND (ALS) about a year ago (2005). Now unable to walk she needs help with most daily tasks, but is still working as an occupational therapist and able to drive. Her speech is not affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Kim - Interview 10 >> Continuing part-time work as an occupational therapist is psychologically important. Having MND gives her new insights into her work. She can still dr

Kim was diagnosed with MND (ALS) about a year ago (2005). Now unable to walk she needs help with most daily tasks, but is still working as an occupational therapist and able to drive. Her speech is not affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Jim - Interview 18 >> He could continue teaching while only his legs were affected. His employers were very supportive and Access to Work helped with equipment and travel.

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 >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Michael - Interview 29 >> He enjoys work but has stopped at the moment partly because he doesn't like asking colleagues for help, but mainly because he wants to spend the time

Michael was diagnosed less than a year ago in 2006 after noticing weakness in his right arm. His arm weakness remains his main symptom, and it has got worse. Currently he is on sick leave from work.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Liz - Interview 39 >> Aromatherapy helps her breathing. She likes massage and has tried acupuncture. Meditation makes her feel calmer and stronger when she feels down.

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 >> Carers >> Ann & Barry - Interview 48 >> She has been depressed about the loss of their future as a couple. She takes an antidepressant, but has also learnt to accept the things she can't cha

Ann's husband Barry was diagnosed with MND about 10 years ago (1997) at the age of 49, after two years of symptoms and tests. (Since identified as primary lateral sclerosis - PLS).

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Michael - Interview 29 >> He spent too long under a cloud when first diagnosed, and still feels bitter and frustrated at times. He advises others to make the most of life, and

Michael was diagnosed less than a year ago in 2006 after noticing weakness in his right arm. His arm weakness remains his main symptom, and it has got worse. Currently he is on sick leave from work.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Sarah - Interview 21 >> She became very depressed and tried hypnotherapy and counselling. The hospice medical director persuaded her to try an antidepressant, and gives conti

Sarah was diagnosed 7 years ago when 7 months pregnant with her second baby in 2000. Now she cannot use her arms or walk unaided, and her speech is affected, so she uses voice software to communicate.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Liz - Interview 22 >> She is determined to keep going for her children's sake, but she has been depressed in the past. Taking an antidepressant helped control both depressi

Liz was diagnosed with rare inherited (familial) form of MND 8 years ago (1998). Sixth member of her family to be diagnosed. Has weakness in her arms and legs, and some speech difficulties. Has a PEG but does not use it yet.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Sarah - Interview 21 >> Her husband couldn't cope and left. She thought no-one could find her attractive but she met someone who made her feel beautiful and happy again. [Voi

Sarah was diagnosed 7 years ago when 7 months pregnant with her second baby in 2000. Now she cannot use her arms or walk unaided, and her speech is affected, so she uses voice software to communicate.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Audrey - Interview 02 >> She's happy entertaining herself at home and seeing friends, but is sad she can't do the gardening any more.

Audrey first noticed symptoms 11-12 years ago. Diagnosis confirmed three years later (1995). Still living at home with support from a daily carer and respite care in a hospice.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Ann - Interview 24 >> She was depressed after the diagnosis. Her family took her on two holidays before her PEG operation and it was a very healing experience.

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 >> Sarah - Interview 21 >> The hospice is a warm and kind place. They helped her draw up a Living Will. She does not want invasive treatment. [Voice software interview].

Sarah was diagnosed 7 years ago when 7 months pregnant with her second baby in 2000. Now she cannot use her arms or walk unaided, and her speech is affected, so she uses voice software to communicate.

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• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Emotional lability, depression and low mood >> Emotional lability, depression and low mood

Emotional lability, depression and low mood