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• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Derek - Interview 27 >> Some of the bathroom equipment provided was no use. He thinks staff need to adapt their advice for each person, rather than try to make them change th

Derek was diagnosed 5-6 years ago (2001 or 2002). His arms and legs are affected but he is still able to walk unaided round the house. Finds his memory for words is being affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Ken - Interview 15 >> He has a Clos-o-Mat toilet at home which gives him independence. They are now available in some public disabled toilets, but not his local hospice.

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 - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Paul - Interview 09 >> Public disabled toilets are often cluttered and badly designed. Using a hoist is uncomfortable if you have breathing problems, so a Clos-o-Mat toilet

Paul's diagnosis of progressive muscular atrophy was confirmed 2 years ago (2004) after several years of leg pain and weakness. Now unable to walk and he has limited arm movement. Uses a ventilator, but his speech is not affected. He worked until 6 months ago.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Maryse - Interview 06 >> When she was admitted to hospital the nursing staff did not listen to her when she said she needed the toilet, so she ended up wetting her clothes.

Maryse was diagnosed March 2005. She was told she had 2-3 years to live. Within months she could no longer live independently and moved into a nursing home. Her speech deteriorated rapidly.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PLS (primary lateral sclerosis) >> Peter - Interview 20 >> A plan to have a paid carer fell through. They manage together and find their own solutions. Peter can't get to the toilet quickly; going often helps.

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 >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Liz - Interview 39 >> Having a catheter has given her greater freedom to go out. She no longer has to worry about asking people to help her and it makes it less personal.

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 wants to care for her husband herself as long as she can. He does not want carers' working hours dictating what time he gets up or goes to bed.

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 50-64 >> Marcelin - Interview 37 >> He tries to keep active. Singing in music therapy helps his breathing. He had breathing problems when he became ill and has learnt that staying fit is

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 >> Carers >> Peter & Olivia - Interview 46 >> His daughter used to panic about breathing, especially when using the loo, but she could control it by concentrating her mind.

Peter's daughter Olivia (aged 22) died within a year of developing pain and weakness in her leg, in late 2006. Diagnosis of MND remained uncertain, as aspects of her condition were unusual.