Motor neurone disease (MND) accounts for progressive neurological conditions where the neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement get degenerated. Motor neurons gradually become damaged or die, making it increasingly difficult for the brain to communicate with the muscles.

MND can affect different parts of the motor system so that symptoms can vary from person to person. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of MND and is often referred to simply as MND, although ALS is technically one type of motor neurone disease.

How does MND affect movement?

In the early stages, a person may notice relatively subtle changes, such as:

• Weakness in the hands, arms, or legs
• Muscle cramps, stiffness, or twitching
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or handling everyday objects
• Changes in speech or difficulty swallowing
• Increasing problems with coordination and muscle control

As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can become more widespread and may eventually affect the muscles needed for breathing.

In MND, an individual’s movements, including touch, hearing, taste, and smell, are generally preserved. However, some people can also experience changes in thinking, behaviour, or communication.

For most people, the exact cause of MND is not known. Researchers believe that a combination of genetic, cellular, and environmental factors may contribute to motor neurone damage.

There is currently no cure for MND. Treatment therefore focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining independence and mobility, supporting communication and breathing, and improving quality of life. At the same time, researchers are investigating new approaches, including regenerative medicine and stem-cell-based strategies, to understand whether protecting motor neurones or modifying the cellular environment could eventually offer new treatment possibilities. Currently, clinicians are collaborating with stem cell research laboratories to develop combination treatment plans for MND patients.

Autism in adults has no single cause. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered a spectrum, that is, it involves a range of causes. This is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means the differences associated with autism begin during early brain development. However, some people may not recognize these differences or receive a diagnosis until adulthood. They may have learned to adapt to social situations, or their challenges may become more noticeable when work, relationships, or other responsibilities become more demanding.

Genetics appears to play an important role in autism. Researchers have identified many genetic differences that may influence how the brain develops and functions. Autism can also run in families, although having a family history does not mean that someone will necessarily be autistic.

Researchers are also studying prenatal and early developmental factors that may influence the likelihood of autism. These factors include genetic causes, differences in fetal brain development, and some pregnancy-related factors. These are better understood as risk factors rather than direct causes.

It is also important to clear up some common misconceptions. Autism is not caused by poor parenting, lack of affection, or vaccines. Adults do not suddenly become autistic because of stress, lifestyle choices, or a particular life experience. In many cases, autism was present earlier in life but went unrecognized.

It is recommended to take professional assistance to understand the specific cause of autism among adults. A clinician evaluates developmental history, communication and social patterns, sensory experiences, repetitive behaviors, etc. The assessment involves analysis of how these factors affect an individual’s everyday life. A diagnosis can help explain long-standing experiences and, when needed, guide access to appropriate support.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), progressive metabolic disorder where the body struggles to regulate blood glucose levels. It happens when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for converting glucose from the bloodstream into energy. Insulin is produced by pancreatic beta cells. In the case of T2DM, these beta cells produce less insulin, which compromises the body’s ability to regulate insulin. 

T2DM develops gradually and is associated with risk factors including heredity, obesity, prolonged physical inactivity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or unhealthy eating habits. However, it can also affect non-obese individuals.

At the early disease stage, the symptoms might go unnoticed. With increased alteration, the signs appear as increased thirst, frequent urination, constant fatigue, blurred vision, slower wound healing, or frequent infections. If left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.

Healthy lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, obesity management, adequate sleep, and management of other co-morbid factors, help in disease management. Some people may also need oral medications or insulin to achieve better glucose control. Currently, regenerative medicine in the form of stem cell therapy has emerged as an advanced strategy in diabetes management. The cells enable regeneration of the beta pancreatic cells and boost repair mechanisms in the body. They significantly reduce inflammation and modulate immune response. Early diagnosis and developing personalised strategies for T2DM management play a crucial role in improving patient’s quality of life. 

Alzheimer’s disease develops due to a combination of biological, genetic, and lifestyle factors that gradually damage brain cells over time. Although researchers have learned a great deal about the disease, there is still no single cause that explains every case.

The cause of Alzheimer’s is not yet well understood. However, researchers have found buildup of beta-amyloid plaques outside brain cells and tau protein tangles inside neurons as responsible causes. These abnormal protein deposits interfere with communication between nerve cells, disrupt essential cellular functions, and eventually lead to the death of neurons. As more brain cells are lost, areas responsible for memory, reasoning, and behavior begin to shrink. The key risk factors includes:

• Age is one of the strongest factors (>60 years). However, many younger adults can also develop
• Gender, men are more susceptible to develop Alzheimer’s
• Genetic factor, APOE-e4, increases the likelihood of developing the disease, but carrying the gene does not guarantee Alzheimer’s development.
• Co-morbid conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, insomnia) increase Alzheimer’s risk development. These conditions affect blood flow to the brain and promote inflammation, which may accelerate cognitive decline.

Researchers also believe that chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in the brain’s immune system play important roles in disease progression.

While Alzheimer’s disease cannot always be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, managing chronic health conditions, engaging in regular mental stimulation, and remaining socially connected can help with Alzheimer’s.