Healthcare Archives - MND Research Blog

Symposium Preview: Meet the Symposium Communications Ambassadors

15 November 202315 November 2023Research Development Team

Reading Time: 7 minutes Each year at the Symposium, there is a huge amount of research presented on a range of topics from across the globe. With the Symposium returning to an in-person event this year, we are keen to increase the number of updates we share for those not able to attend, including people living with and affected by MND.

To help us do this, we have launched a new Symposium Communications Ambassador Programme so we can bring more of the research from the Symposium to non-scientific audiences. This programme was open for applications from early career researchers working in MND, who were interested in helping us shine a light on MND research happening across the world. This year we have 5 early career researchers taking part in the Programme, who will gain experience and new skills in communicating research to different audiences. Before, during and after the Symposium our Ambassador’s will be helping us to share the latest research with the MND community.

Symposium Preview: Meet the ALS/MND Plenary Speakers…Part 1

1 November 202321 November 2023Eleanor Green

Reading Time: 7 minutes As the research team count down to this year’s International Symposium on ALS/MND, we will be posting blogs throughout November to give you a snapshot of some of the research being presented at this year’s event. This year marks the 34th Symposium, the largest scientific and medical conference specific to ALS/MND, and we are looking…

Combining different types of data to help predict prognosis in motor neurone disease

12 October 202312 October 2023Research Development Team

Reading Time: 4 minutes My name is Florence and I’m doing a PhD in artificial intelligence (AI) enabled healthcare at University College London. My research is specifically investigating how AI techniques can be used to improve the prediction of how quickly somebody’s disease will progress in motor neurone disease.

Qualitative research in MND: navigating challenges for participants and researchers

19 September 202319 September 2023Research Development Team

Reading Time: 3 minutes Jade and Liam are researchers at Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield. Liam’s work aims to improve healthcare services through technology by involving people with MND in their development. Jade is interested in using research to better understand the issues and implications around genetic forms of MND and to support people to navigate decisions…

Improving the management of cough and secretion problems in MND

24 August 202325 August 2023Research Development Team

Reading Time: 3 minutes My name is Charlotte and I am a specialist physiotherapist who has worked within the field of MND and neuromuscular disease for many years. Prior to starting my PhD, I worked as the lead physiotherapist on the Neuromuscular Complex Care Centre (NMCCC) at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, part of UCL centre for neuromuscular diseases in London.

Developing a patient decision aid for genetic testing in MND

10 August 202325 August 2023Research Development Team

Reading Time: 4 minutes Last month we hosted the second MND EnCouRage UK event for early career researchers (ECRs) which aims to support them to continue working in the field of MND. The event included lots of talks and workshops from senior researchers to provide tips and advice on moving forward in their careers and help them to develop…

Taking a look behind the scenes of clinical trials in MND

19 July 202319 July 2023Eleanor Green

Reading Time: 5 minutes The MND clinical trial landscape has grown vastly over the last decade and this has led to increased opportunities for people with MND to take part in research across the globe. Behind these trials, sit a large number of highly dedicated staff at each trial site who make sure the trial is set-up, recruiting and…

Measuring cognitive and behavioural changes in MND

20 April 202320 April 2023Eleanor Green

Reading Time: 4 minutes It is known that people with MND experience different symptoms, and these are not just movement related. People with MND can experience difficulty speaking, breathing and swallowing, as well as changes in how they think and behave. It is thought that around 50% of people with the disease also develop changes in their thinking and…

The DiAMoND Study: a new decision aid for people with MND

16 March 202316 March 2023Eleanor Green

Reading Time: 4 minutes Some people with MND experience severe swallowing difficulties and it is estimated that over 50% of those with MND are affected by malnutrition and weight loss due to this. These factors are thought to be associated with increased disability and shortened survival, which is why nutrition remains one of the main challenges surrounding disease management. For those with MND who have severe swallowing difficulties, one of the long-term nutritional support options is a gastrostomy (a feeding tube that is inserted directly into the stomach to deliver food, fluids and some medications).

Behind the research… The COMMEND Project

18 January 202326 January 2023Charlotte Roy

Reading Time: 3 minutes When you think of scientific research most people will immediately imagine a laboratory with scientists in white lab coats, however MND research takes many forms. As well as research that looks for effective treatments, it is also important to investigate ways to improve the well-being of people living with MND and their carers/family members.