Basic facts about MND
What is MND?
MND is a group of closely related disorders that affect motor neurones—nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement.
The most common subtype is ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which is also the name used for MND in some countries.
MND affects both:
- Upper motor neurones (from the brain to the spinal cord)
- Lower motor neurones (from the spinal cord to the muscles)
As motor neurones degenerate, muscle function deteriorates, leading to:
- Progressive muscle weakness and wasting
- Loss of mobility
- Difficulties with speech, swallowing, and breathing
Progression varies significantly between individuals.
What causes MND?
In approximately 90% of cases, there is no known family history.
In around 10% of cases, MND is caused by inherited gene mutations.
Possible contributing factors include:
- Environmental toxins and chemicals
- Viral infections
- Immune system damage
- Premature ageing of motor neurones
- Loss of growth factors
- Genetic susceptibility
Current thinking suggests that multiple factors may contribute to the development of MND in any one person.
Who gets MND?
- MND can affect adults at any age, but is most common between ages 50 and 70.
- Slightly more men than women are diagnosed.
- A person’s lifetime risk of developing MND is up to 1 in 300.
- Around 35% of people with MND experience mild cognitive changes.
- A further 15% develop frontotemporal dementia, which affects behaviour and decision-making.
MND in New Zealand
- There are over 400 people are living with MND at any given time.
- Two people are diagnosed with MND each week.
- Two people die from MND each week—around 120 deaths per year.
- The incidence rate in New Zealand is higher than the global average:
(NZ: ~3 in every 100,000 people, International: ~2 in every 100,000 people) - Median age of onset: 67 years
- 35% of people with MND in NZ are under 65
- 58% are male, 42% female
- In 2011, 1 in every 202 deaths in NZ was caused by MND
- The reasons for NZ’s higher incidence are unknown—possible factors include genetics, environment, or better diagnosis.
* Numbers are calculated from only those people with MND who register as clients of Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand during 2019-20. We estimate over 90% of people with MND in New Zealand register with the charity.
Key facts summary
- MND is uncommon but not rare—about 1 in 15,000 people live with it at any time.
- Most people live 20 to 48 months after symptoms begin.
- 5–10% live for 10 years or more.
- MND affects people from all communities.
- Worldwide, 4 to 5 million people currently alive will die from MND.
Last updated:
27 August 2025