The disease is unfortunately incurable, developing not only in older people (around 50 years of age) but also in younger people. At the moment, research is being conducted into a specific, proven cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as it is not yet known. There are three types of MND (sporadic, genetic and attacking and brain-damaging forms).

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is categorised as an incurable, neurodevelopmental disease in which there is damage to a motor neuron (both upper and lower). The key role of this neuron is to transmit from the brain to the muscles the stimuli that condition the execution of a specific movement. In most cases, the factor that is responsible for the activation of the MND is unknown.

Among the symptoms appearing in the initial phase of the disease (first stage), there is a noticeable weakness of muscle strength, which may only occur on one side of the body. This mainly affects the hands and forearms, but also includes muscle damage, the appearance of cramps (painful and unpleasant) and tremors.

In subsequent phases, the condition of the person affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis deteriorates, with problems in the muscles of the face, jaw, lower limbs and tongue. The affected person begins to have problems with speaking, food intake, swallowing and much more. In addition, as the disease progresses, problems arise with the neck muscles (problem holding the head upright) and also with independent movement. In the final stage of the disease, the chest muscles weaken, leading to breathing problems. This is the main cause of death for people affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The disease is diagnosed by a specialist (neurologist) who, after taking the patient's medical history and conducting a neurological examination, will order further tests, including laboratory tests, an EMG test, an ENG test, a CT scan and, if necessary, an examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. At present, there is no drug that can cure the patient completely. Symptomatic treatment is undertaken, which is individual to each patient. Not only the use of pharmacological agents, but also the help of a speech therapist, psychologist and physiotherapist play a key role.