Speaker Meeting, 6.15 for 6.30pm

Our speaker at this meeting was Dorinda Moffatt (pictured with President Steve).  Dorinda is Prospect Hospice’s dedicated MND and neuro respiratory specialist practitioner.  With over 13 years of experience as a respiratory practitioner, she has a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her role which also includes outreach to groups such as Rotary for donations.  Her role at Prospect Hospice is unique, combining clinical expertise with community outreach efforts.

She shared with us her personal connection to MND: her father passed away from the disease. This personal experience fuels her passion for supporting people and their families living with MND.  She emphasised the importance of helping people live well with MND and working in partnership with colleagues across the Swindon area.

Motor neurone diseases are a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders that selectively affect motor neurones, the cells which control voluntary muscles of the body. These diseases include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive bulbar palsy, pseudobulbar palsy, progressive muscular atrophy, primary lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy and monomelic amyotrophy.

MNDs affect both children and adults, causing movement-related symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and spasms. The diseases worsen over time, and while some forms are inherited, most occur randomly and the causes are not known.  MND is progressive and is always terminal.  Currently there is no treatment available.

Symptoms can include difficulty with breathing, speaking and swallowing, as well as excessive saliva production.  Despite the severity of the disease, sensations such as touch, taste, and smell are not affected.  Modern technology allows sufferers to record their voices before speech is lost, enabling them to communicate effectively “in their own voice” by means of eye contact with a computer keyboard

Nationally, six people are diagnosed with MND every day, and there are 18 sufferers in the Swindon area at the present time.  Dorinda supports them all, from beginning to end.   She is there for their families too and that continues after the death if it is needed.

Dorinda Moffatt's talk provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals living with MND and their families. Her dedication to improving the quality of life for MND sufferers and her commitment to community outreach are commendable. The information shared during the talk highlights the importance of continued research and support for those affected by motor neurone diseases.