Psychological support could help sufferers with MND, study has disclosed

TAILORED psychological support could enhance the quality of life of patients with motor neurone disease, a study has found.

Treatments aimed at improving the psychological wellbeing of those with the condition are “crucial” in the absence of a cure, researchers said.

MND affects the brain and nerves, with patients eventually losing the ability to move, speak, swallow and breathe. Current treatments include physiotherapy to maintain muscle strength and a drug called riluzole, which can slow the progression of the disease.

The study, led by a team from the University of Sheffield and University College London, explored whether acceptance and commitment therapy could boost the psychological health of people with MND. ACT is a type of psychotherapy that combines behavioural therapy with strategies like mindfulness, encouraging patients to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than trying to control or avoid them.

Chris McDermott, a professor of translational neurology at the University of Sheffield, honorary consultant neurologist and joint lead of the trial, said: “We desperately need treatments to slow down and stop MND.

“In a year when several large drug trials have already reported negative results, we are reminded what a huge and difficult challenge that is.

“While we work hard for a cure, it is essential we support those living with MND now.”

The current study began in 2019 and involved 191 people across 16 MND centres in the UK.

Patients were randomly assigned to have either their usual care or their usual care plus ACT.

The results, published in The Lancet, showed ACT, when combined with usual care, was “clinically effective for maintaining or improving quality of life” in patients with MND.