Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
Hello and welcome to Health Matters, Dr Michelle Wright with you as usual – today’s episode is a special one – because May is ALS Awareness Month.
As a doctor, and a friend, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact Motor Neurone Disease — or MND — can have. In this episode, I want to break down what MND and ALS are, how they affect the nervous system, and why global awareness this month is so vital.
What is Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?
Motor Neurone Disease is an umbrella term for several neurodegenerative disorders that cause the progressive breakdown of motor neurones — the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement.
There are two main types of motor neurones:
- Upper motor neurones, which originate in the brain and travel down the spinal cord.
- And lower motor neurones, which connect to muscles throughout the body.
When these neurones deteriorate, muscles weaken, waste away, or become stiff and uncoordinated — depending on which neurones are affected. It’s a progressive, life-limiting condition that eventually robs people of their ability to move, to speak, and to breathe.
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
The disease was first described in the 1800s by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, who gave us the term Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS.
“Amyotrophic” means “without muscle nourishment,” referring to muscle wasting due to lower motor neurone damage. “Lateral sclerosis” refers to scarring along the outer pathways of the spinal cord — a result of upper motor neurone degeneration.
Today, ALS is the most common form of MND, making up about 90% of cases, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
MND can look different in every patient. Some experience primarily lower motor neurone involvement — this is called Progressive Muscular Atrophy.
Others show mostly upper motor neurone symptoms, such as stiffness and exaggerated reflexes — this less common form is Primary Lateral Sclerosis.
There are also other variants:
- Bulbar-onset MND, where speech and swallowing are affected first.
- And the flail arm variant, where weakness starts in the shoulders and upper limbs.
These variations make it difficult to predict the course of the disease — one of its most challenging aspects for everyone involved.
So, returning to the heart of today’s episode — ALS Awareness Month.
What is ALS Awareness Month?
Every May, countries around the world — including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and several across Europe — observe ALS Awareness Month to educate the public, raise funds for research, and amplify the voices of those affected.
While there’s no single origin date, May has become the rallying point for community events, awareness campaigns, and fundraising efforts — from walks and marathons to educational seminars, social media campaigns, and even lighting landmarks in blue and white, the colours often associated with ALS awareness.
Many of us will never personally experience ALS — and even though awareness may not be a cure, it saves time in diagnosis, connects patients with vital support, and builds the momentum we need to find better treatments.
You don’t need a medical degree to make an impact. This month, share what you’ve learned. Donate to research or support a caregiver. Even a conversation, like this one, is a powerful tool.
