As we reach the halfway point of 2024, the MND Infoline has responded to over 500 enquiries. June’s frequently asked questions explore topics such as temperature control, transfer aids and the Special Interest Group.
1. What can be done to help control temperature?
Despite MND not directly affecting sense such as thermoregulation, people with MND may experience temperature control issues. There are several different products that can be implemented to help control temperature.
These include:
- Layers of clothing.
- Loose fitting clothing.
- Thermals.
- Mittens.
- Microfibre blankets.
- Gloves with fingers cut out.
- Electric blankets.
- Foot warmers.
- Fans or air conditioning.
It is important when using these products that the person with MND has support to change to avoid overheating or potentially becoming too cold. Speak with your allied health team for recommendations specific to your situation.
For further information, visit:
- MND Aware Living with MND - Day-to-day - Page 23 (mndnsw.org.au)
- Article- Thermoregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
2. What aids and equipment are available to assist with transfers?
Equipment is important when transferring or repositioning someone with MND to reduce the risk of injury for not only the person with MND but their carer. Incorrect transfers could result in falls, or potentially back issues for the person assisting with the transfers. There are several pieces of equipment that can assist people with MND to move positions or to another place.
These items include:
- Monkey Bar.
- Sliding transfer bench.
- Slide transfer board.
- Bed pole.
- Handy bar.
- Transfer belt.
An occupational therapist can prescribe each of these items that can be hired from FlexEquip, to investigate more detail visit:
3. Is MND transmissible from person to person?
No, MND is not contagious. However, 10% of MND is familial, meaning that there is or has been more than one person in a family affected by MND.
4. What is the MND Special Interest Group?
The MND Special Interest Group (SIG) is an informal network of health and community care professionals who have an interest in the care and support of people with MND.
SIG aims to achieve the following:
- Promote best practice of multidisciplinary care for people with MND.
- Disseminate information to health and community care professionals.
- Share MND expertise and experiences.
Those registered to SIG will receive a quarterly e-bulletin which provides information and updates from MND NSW, MND Victoria and MND Australia. On top of this they are invited to the SIG Workshop which occurs every second year in Sydney. The next SIG Workshop is scheduled for 26 September 2024.
To register with the MND SIG visit- SIG Registration From
For information regarding the SIG Workshop click here
5. Where can I find information regarding upcoming support groups and events?
The MND NSW Events page provides details of all MND NSW events coming up soon. Use the side bar to find events by type.
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