About MND

In this section you will find information about motor neurone disease and some suggestions for those who have just been diagnosed.

What is MND?

In this section you can find out more about motor neurone disease (MND), which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gerig's disease in some countries.

If you, a member of your family or a friend has recently been diagnosed with motor neurone disease it is likely that you are experiencing many confusing and confronting emotions. You may also be feeling overwhelmed by too much information or worried that you do not have enough information. If you have been diagnosed with MND and would like to access support and services via the MND Association, please contact the MND Info Line for further information on becoming a member.

Government support for you

You may be eligible for financial assistance or benefits from government, semi-government or private organisations if you have motor neurone disease, or if you are caring for someone with motor neurone disease. MND NSW and FlexEquip are registered providers. The MND Info Line or your MND Advisor can advise you about how you can access Government support for you.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for people aged under 65 years

In this section you can read about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS is available to people aged under 65 years. It provides assistance to people living with a disability, including people living with motor neurone disease. The types of supports the NDIS may fund for participants include household assistance, aids and equipment, home modification, vehicle modification, coordination of support and other reasonable and necessary supports for daily living and participation.

My Aged Care for people aged 65 years and over

In this section you can read about My Aged Care. My Aged Care is the entry point to all services for people aged 65 years and older in Australia. My Aged Care can provide you with information about the services offered by the Australian Government that can give you the extra help you need around your home. These services include domestic assistance, personal care, meal services and nursing care. Help at home services are delivered in two ways: through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and through Home Care Packages.

Information resources

MND NSW publishes and distributes motor neurone disease leaflets, information sheets, booklets, books, DVDs, and a quarterly member newsletter. Many of these publications are available free online for you to read, print or download.

About MND NSW

Information about MND NSW, membership forms and other service related publications.

General information about MND

Introductory information about motor neurone disease.

Managing MND

Specific information about managing particular aspects of motor neurone disease. Includes information about symptom management and practical guides and links for accessing services and resources.

Living Better for Longer evidence-based fact sheets

Series of 8 two-page ‘Living Better for Longer' evidence-based facts sheets published 2019. Each fact sheet explores interventions that research has shown helps people live better for longer with motor neurone disease.

MND NSW e-news and newsletter

The MND NSW e-news is issued every month or so and compiled into a condensed print version every quarter as MND NSW News (formerly Forum). You can access issues here.

For health and community care professionals

Including information about primary, community and residential, reading lists and free online presentations.

Ordering information

Ordering print, CD and DVD publications.

MND research

There is no cure for motor neurone disease... yet. In this section you can find information about participating in research trials, grants for MND researchers and the Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia. For the latest MND research news see our Blog pages on this website.

Participating in research

MND NSW is a strong advocate for the advancement of research into motor neurone disease. In Australia there are several ways in which you can actively participate in research into motor neurone disease. While MND NSW supports research into MND, individuals need to carefully consider and determine if participation is right for them. You can find out how you can participate in research in this section.

For researchers

Information about grants for research into motor neurone disease is posted here as it becomes available.

MND Research Institute

The MND Research Institute of Australia is a national organisation, established in 1984 to promote medical and scientific research into MND. The MND Research Institute of Australia is driven forward by the vision to understand the causes, find effective treatments and discover cures for MND.