Useful links
A diagnosis of MND can be devastating. It is completely understandable that once somebody is diagnosed, there is a desire and urge to find answers. However, navigating the avalanche of information available online can be difficult and overwhelming. In addition to this, it is not uncommon to find promises online of treatments or cures, often charging large sums of money. Many of these are baseless and unscientific, but can be quite convincing. If you are particularly convinced about a proposed treatment, please do not hand your money over until you’ve asked for the opinion of one of the neurologists in clinic, or email us on [email protected]. Also, it is worth noting that there are many articles explaining why off-label treatments or unconvincing causes of MND are implausible in a series called ‘ALS untangled’, the link to which can be found HERE. There is also some related information in our FAQ section which may be of interest.
We completely understand the desire to find something that will slow down or stop this relentless disease. In the Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, we share this desire. Our lab is made up of over 40 researchers working on studies across a variety of themes to better understand MND and ultimately find a cure for the condition. This work is supported by Research Motor Neurone. The research themes range from neural network dysfunction and neuropharmacology, to psychology and clinical neurology. Every single individual in the lab is passionate about unravelling MND, and we are all fuelled by the amazing patients we encounter through our work. The clinical team is also involved in the majority of international clinical trials relating to MND, so if there is ever a possible benefit to a drug, the Irish MND Research group will be linked into the relevant clinical trials. Below are some reputable sources of information and also some resources you or your family might find useful.
MND Associations: Lots of useful Factsheets and Information videos
(bear in mind that information about care packages, legal, financial and other advice may not be relevant to Ireland, always check with IMNDA or your medical team for specific, local information)
- Ireland imnda.ie
- Scotland https://www.mndscotland.org.uk/
- UK https://www.mndassociation.org/
- America als.org
- International Alliance of ALS/ MND Associations https://www.alsmndalliance.org/
- International ALS Untangled
Accounts of MND, Books and Memoirs
- MND: A Complete Family Guide: due to be published in Autumn 2021 by IMNDA
- Irish real life stories https://imnda.ie/news/real-life-stories/
- MND- the inside track: Colm Murray’s experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXxUnuAJo7Y
- A Short History of Falling by Joe Hammond
- Live While You Can by Fr. Tony Coote
- MND: A Family Affair by Dr. David Oliver
- Books for people with MND and their caregivers, as recommended by MND Scotland https://www.mndscotland.org.uk/media/1959/mnd-resources-for-patients-families-2018.pdf
For Caregivers and Family
- YouTube clip When Someone You Love Has MND https://youtu.be/scaaUzp9Amg
- Family Carer’s Ireland: lots of information and support for carers, young and old https://familycarers.ie/
- Cognitive and behavioural changes in ALS/MND: A guide booklet for families and carers
- Self-care for carers https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/3/carerssupport/caringforyourself/caringforyourself.html
- Just for children https://www.mndbuddies.org/
- Books for parents, children and teenagers, as recommended by MND Scotland https://www.mndscotland.org.uk/media/2516/resources-for-parents-children-teenagers-2019.pdf
End of Life Care and Planning
- Information on palliative and hospice care https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-am-seriously-ill/about-palliative-care/
- The Think Ahead form, for anyone who wishes to record their end of life care preferences https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-want-to-plan-ahead/think-ahead/
- Information on advance care planning in Ireland https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/legal_matters_and_health/advance_care_directives.html#
- Information on legal arrangements for incapacity in Ireland https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/legal_matters_and_health/legal_arrangements_for_incapacity.html
- End of life guide for people with MND from UK mndassociation.org/support-and-information/information-resources/information-for-people-with-or-affected-by-mnd/end-of-life-a-guide-for-people-with-motor-neurone-disease/
Counselling and Bereavement Support
- Counselling arranged through IMNDA https://imnda.ie/guide-to-imnda-services/#counselling
- Irish Hospice Foundation bereavement support line https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/bereavement-support-line/
Self-care and Relaxation for All
- Stress Control: information and free classes https://stresscontrol.ie/
- Beaumont Mindfulness and Relaxation Centre beaumont.ie/marc
- San Diego Mindfulness Center guided exercises https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/fmph/research/mindfulness/programs/mindfulness-programs/MBSR-programs/Pages/audio.aspx
- Smiling Mind, with links to a fully free mindfulness and meditation app https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
For Healthcare Professionals working with ALS/MND
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