What is motor neuron disease?According to Talbot et al. (2010), motor neuron disease, also known as MND, occurs when progressive degeneration occurs in the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons are nerve cells that control the body's muscles. They also stated that as progressive degeneration of these muscles occurs, the messages sent to the muscles stop working, leading to muscle weakening and weight loss. Muscle wasting usually begins in the arms and legs of the person who has motor neuron disease. The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (2014) stated that some patients with motor neurone disease may develop weakness or atrophy of the muscles of the face and throat. If this happens, the motor neurone disease patient may have problems swallowing, speaking, chewing, walking, drinking, and even breathing. According to HSE (2013), this disease generally progresses from one limb to another, on the respiratory muscles and even on the tongue. Talbot et al. (2010) pointed out that there is no known specific cause of motor neurone disease. HSE (2013) states that in Ireland approximately 110 patients with motor neurone disease die from the disease each year. People aged 50 and over are more likely to get it, but on rare occasions some people can get it in their 20s or 30s. Talbot et al. (2010) stated that women and men can both get motor neurone disease, although men are twice as likely to get it. Oral and Dental Considerations Related to Motor Neurone Disease According to Bricker et al. (2002) here is a list of things that should be taken into account regarding oral and dental considerations for patients suffering...... middle of article...... eries/nerves-brain/motor neuron disease -mnd/possible-causes-mnd-include-familial-mnd [Accessed 23 April 2014]• HSE (2013) Motor Neurone Disease (online) Available at http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az / M/Motor-neurone-disease/ [Accessed 22 April 2014]• IMNDA (2014) About MND (online) Available at http://www.imnda.ie/about-mnd.html [Accessed 22 April 2014]• MND Association (2011) Statutory Responsibilities for Equipment Support Services – Motor Neurone Disease Association (Online) Available at http://www.mndassociation.org/Resources/MNDA/Getting%20Help/Statutory_Services_Report.pdf [Accessed on April 23, 2014]• Oliver, D. (2011) Motor Neurone Disease: A Family Affaire, first edition, SPCK Publishing• Talbot, K., Turner, MR, Marsden, R. and Botell, R. (2010) Motor Neurone Disease , a practical handbook, first edition, Oxford University Press