Why we need research

The contributions of current acquired medical knowledge have huge implications on improved health care and obtaining such knowledge is dependant on scientific research.  The Irish MND Research Group is committed to carrying out high quality research which stems from the many contributions the group has already made to our knowledge of MND. 

However, given the complexity of MND it is now widely accepted that no one project will give us the answers we strive for but rather it will be a coming together of many projects.  Ongoing research at several levels is the only way a cure/treatments will be found.  What’s more, there is a need for all disciplines to work together while we all strive for the one goal.  With this in mind, going forward research from the Irish MND group will frequently involve collaboration with other international MND experts.

  Research studies carried out by the Irish MND Group involves:

• The study of genomic, transcriptomics and proteomic.
• The study of in animal and cell based models of disease.
• Detailed phenotype analysis of affected individuals and kindreds
• Analysis of population- based traits that may contribute to disease
• Analysis of current management strategies and the development of evidence based improvements in patient care. 

All research carried out by the Irish MND Research Group stems from the The Irish Register of MND

The Irish ALS Register is the longest running Register of its kind in the world. All patients with ALS in the Republic of Ireland have been identified since 1995.  The Register provides a rich source of information about the clinical features and outcomes in ALS/MND.  A DNA bank has been in place since 1998, and over 600 DNA samples from those affected by ALS/MND, and a similar number of controls (not affected) have been collected.

Ireland is particularly suitable for high quality population-based studies of rare neurological diseases. This is because the Irish population is relatively stable, genetically homogeneous and has an accessible public health service. 

The project  brings together existing strengths in clinical, epidemiological and health services research, to forming  multidisciplinary  consortium that will  enable Ireland to engage with the “Grand Challenge” of neurodegeneration at both local and international level.  

If you are a health care provider and would like more information, please contact us or indeed If you know any family members who may have an interest in our activities please ask them to contact us.

Additionally, even if MND has not visited your family we extend an invitation to all of our reader to get involved in helping find the 'ultimate cure'.