Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a term applying to a group of progressive, degenerative disorders affecting the motor neurones. Motor neurones carry signals from the brain to the muscles. In people with motor neurone disease, the motor neurones deteriorate and can no longer carry these signals. The parts of the body affected become weakened, and unable to carry out normal activities.

People living with MND are often faced with difficult decisions for managing their symptoms and maintaining their quality of life as the disease progresses. Some of the options people are asked to consider are gastrostomy, genetic testing, assisted ventilation, communication equipment, advanced care planning and location of end of life care.