There is no cure for MND, but a medication has now been approved in Australia for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, including progressive bulbar palsy) - the most common form of MND. This drug is riluzole (sold as Rilutek or APO-Riluzole) and Teglutik (a liquid formulation) which is available at a subsidised price on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. There are some strict criteria governing who can receive subsidised riluzole, and it is best to discuss these with a neurologist. MND NSW has a fact sheet about riluzole here.
Costly and unproven therapies for MND are often advertised in the internet or may be recommended by well meaning people. It is important to discuss the likely benefits of any unproven therapy and the risk of side effects, adverse events or life-shortening effects with your GP or neurologist.
Researchers are developing and trialling other drugs that may slow down the progression of the disease or combat some of the symptoms. MND Australia and the state MND associations keep abreast of the latest research. They will support and promote any new treatments that have been proven through research and scientific peer review to improve survival or symptom management for people with MND. For further information speak to a neurologist, contact MND NSW or visit the MND Research Australia website. You may also like to look at the section on this website about participating in research.
Although there is currently no cure, it is not true to say that, ‘nothing can be done for the person with motor neurone disease'. A great deal can be done to maintain quality of life and address many of the effects of the disease. See the MND NSW Living Better for Longer fact sheets on this website for more information.
