Elevated rates of MND found in regional Australia
Researchers in Australia have discovered motor neuron disease (MND) rates far exceeding global averages in several regions. Across western New South Wales, MND incidence reaches 3.72 cases per 100,000 people annually, with some areas experiencing up to seven times higher prevalence. Dr Lyndal Henden, a clinical research expert, highlighted that this is the first time MND has been mapped within the Australian population.
Unexpectedly high rates were observed in Oberon, Walgett, Forbes, Cowra, Orange, and the Mid-Western local government area, where prevalence was 23.90, 19.04, and higher respectively cases per 100,000 people. An unusual clinical pattern emerged, with 47% of cases being bulbar-onset MND, compared to about 25% globally. This form typically first appears as changes in speech or swallowing, progressing rapidly.
Women were diagnosed with bulbar-onset disease at a substantially higher rate – 61% compared to about 35%. Researchers suggest environmental factors, likely linked to intensive agricultural activity, may be causing the increased incidence and prevalence of MND in these agricultural regions.
Written by urgent.news from Discovered's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
