Improving the support for managing secretions in MND.
Principal Investigator: Dr Caroline Barry
Lead Institution: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
MND Association Funding: £257,203
Funding dates: February 2025 - January 2028
About the project
Many people living with MND experience muscle weakness that causes problems with speech, swallowing, breathing and coughing. This often makes it difficult to deal with the saliva and mucous, together termed “secretions”, that are produced by the body. It can cause choking, pneumonia and breathing difficulties. Currently, there are multiple treatments available to help with these symptoms, however, there is an urgent need to improve the support offered to people with MND, to help better support decision making around secretion management. In this study, the researchers will explore various aspects of secretion management in MND by consulting with people living with MND, caregivers and healthcare professionals. They hope to understand which methods are most effective, and what factors might influence their effectiveness. Understanding the impact of these interventions, including impacts to quality of life, impacts on symptom management and impacts on caregivers, will help to provide “real-life” insights into secretion management in MND.
What could this mean for MND research?
This study will provide a better understanding of the care needs surrounding management of secretions in MND. This will help to define the most effective treatments and best care pathways for people with MND who experience challenges with secretions. By understanding what works best for managing secretions in MND, this study will help to guide people to make the right decisions for their care and, ultimately, improve the quality of life for people living with MND.
Project code: 2412-794