It is now recognised that some people with motor neuron disease (MND) can develop difficulties in mental processing of information. These difficulties can be accompanied by memory impairment and, in some cases, changes in personality. These cognitive changes, when present, have major implications for the person, their family and their medical care. However, the exact frequency and severity of these difficulties among people with MND and the degree to which they progress is not fully established. Members of the Irish MND research group are currently conducting a study with the specific aim of answering these questions.  

People with MND are identified from the MND Register. Members of the MND research Team who have experience in managing problems associated with MND,   visit the patients in their homes and carry out a detailed neuropsychological evaluation. This comprises   an interview in which various aspects of memory and mental processing of information are measured.   The results of these measurements are then compared with those obtained from people of the same age who do not have MND.

Blood samples for DNA analysis are also collected from people with MND  and controls. This DNA is stored and used to help identify new genes that might contribute to the development of motor neuron disease. DNA will be processed using a powerful new tool called genome wide sequencing which deciphers the DNA code.  The Irish population is ideally suited for this type of genetic study as it is a relatively homogenous population, and the disease markers can be identified using smaller numbers.