MND patients hear about advances in research being developed by scientists in Dundee

People affected by motor neurone disease (MND) have been hearing about advances in research into the disease being developed in Dundee.

Scientists in the city are focussing on early changes in the brain in those who are diagnosed with the condition.

Researchers met with patients and their families to share the progress being made.

Among them was Graham Douglas, who was diagnosed with MND last year after tests and a scan.

He told STV News: “I went across to America to visit my daughter and she needed some work done. However, I couldn’t raise my arms above my head, I couldn’t even hold a screwdriver.”

The former Michelin worker remains positive and says he is making the most of life.

“Obviously it was a shock to begin with,” said Mr Douglas. “Now, I’m resigned to the fact that it’s not going to be a good outcome but I just carry on doing what I do for as long as I can.

“I can still walk, talk and drink, so I’m not happy but resigned to that part of it. Something will change and it’ll get worse.”

Mr Douglas is one of 400 people living with MND in Scotland and around 200 people are newly diagnosed every year.

The illness stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. Average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis and there is currently no cure or effective treatment.

Former Scotland rugby star Doddie Weir, who passed away from MND two years ago, helped to raise awareness of the condition.

Doddie Weir raised awareness of motor neurone disease. SNS Group

It’s a journey of losses – a disease that robs people of their mobility, speech and eventually their life.

At an event in Dundee earlier this wek, people affected by MND met scientists searching for a treatment and ultimately a cure for the condition.

Dr Chris Henstridge at the University of Dundee said: “We’re focussed on one of the earliest changes in the brain of people with motor neurone disease and that’s the loss of connection points between the brain cells.

“We know they’re lost early but we don’t know where exactly they’re lost, or why they’re being lost, and ultimately what we want to do is to understand why those connection points are breaking down.

“If we can keep them healthy, I really believe we can potentially stop the disease or at least slow down the disease at it’s very earliest stages and have real impact for people living with the condition.”