Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time. It is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Lou Gehrigs disease. MND occurs when specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, called motor neurones, stop working properly and die prematurely. This leads to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting, and affects activities such as gripping, walking, speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Symptoms of MND happen gradually and may not be obvious at first. Early symptoms can include weakness in the ankle or leg, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing some foods. It can be difficult to diagnose MND in the early stages, as there is no single test for it and several conditions cause similar symptoms. To help rule out other conditions, a neurologist may arrange blood tests, a scan of the brain and spine, tests to measure the electrical activity in muscles and nerves, and a lumbar puncture. There is no cure for MND, but treatment can help reduce the impact the symptoms have on a persons life. Treatments include highly specialized clinics, typically involving a specialist nurse and occupational therapy to help maintain quality of life and keep the person as mobile as possible for as long as possible.