On Today's show we are taking a look at motor neurone disease as part of motor neuron disease week which runs during the first week of May each year.   This disease is a progressive degenerative neurological condition which causes the loss of function of the nerves that that control muscles. As a result there is loss of control of the ability to walk, to communicate and eventually breath. Although Stephen Hawking has lived with the condition for over 50 years his case is an extremely rare slow progressivng form. The majority of people progress rapidly results int death in about 27 months from the time of diagnosis.   As of 2011 nearly 2000 peopel where diagnosed with the condition in Australia and there were an estimated 420,000 diagnosed worldwide. So what is like for people living with this condition? What do we currently know about what causes it? Are there any treatments available? And how can we get invovled to support the people and their families who ar affected by motor neuron disease. To answer these questions and more we will be joing by Graham Opie, CEO of the Motor Neurone Disease Association of New South Wales.   Links to Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW and Australia: www.mndnsw.asn.au www.mndaust.asn.au