Motor Neurone Disease (MND) facts and figures

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive and terminal neurological condition that affects thousands of Australians each year.

Key facts about MND in Australia

• Each day, around two people are diagnosed with MND and two people die from the disease in Australia
• Approximately 2,700–2,800 Australians are currently living with MND. 
• MND is more common in men, with around 60% of cases occurring in males and 40% in females. 
• The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2–3 years.
• The average age of onset is around 59 years, although MND can affect adults of all ages. 
• Around 5–10% of cases are familial (genetic), while 90–95% are sporadic with no known cause. 
• MND causes around 780 deaths each year in Australia (based on recent national mortality data).
• The total economic and social cost of MND in Australia exceeds $5 billion annually, including healthcare, lost income and unpaid care. 

The impact of MND in Australia

Motor neurone disease has a profound impact not only on those diagnosed, but also on families, carers and the healthcare system. The condition progressively affects a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow and breathe, leading to increasing care needs over a relatively short period of time.

With no known cure and limited treatment options, MND remains one of the most challenging neurological diseases in Australia. The number of Australians living with MND is expected to increase in coming decades due to population growth and ageing.