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The Oscars 2015 — Eddie Redmayne wins Best Actor for playing Stephen Hawking with MND in ‘The Theory of Everything’

The Oscars for the Best Actor this year went to Eddie Redmayne at the 87th Academy Awards for portraying the role of Stephen Hawking in the film ‘The Theory of Everything’. This film showcased the story of how this world renowned physicist made huge discoveries in the world of science despite suffering from motor neuron disease (MND). Even after the doctors told him that he had very less time to live, he along with the love of his life Jane Wilde did not give up and made ambitious breakthroughs and became one of the greatest scientists of the world. Though Stephen is still alive at the age of 73, he still suffers from this incurable disease. Here’s what you should know about MND.

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The Oscars for the Best Actor this year went to Eddie Redmayne at the 87th Academy Awards for portraying the role of Stephen Hawking in the film ‘The Theory of Everything’. This film showcased the story of how this world renowned physicist made huge discoveries in the world of science despite suffering from motor neuron disease (MND). Even after the doctors told him that he had very less time to live, he along with the love of his life Jane Wilde did not give up and made ambitious breakthroughs and became one of the greatest scientists of the world. Though Stephen is still alive at the age of 73, he still suffers from this incurable disease. Here’s what you should know about MND.

What is Motor Neuron Disease?

MND is a rare progressive disease that affects 5-7 people from 1,00,000 people. It is also called amytrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS and does not have any cure. It damages parts of the nervous system by attacking the neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to loss of muscle movement and coordination. The patient has difficulty swallowing, eating, gripping, walking, speaking, breathing.

Symptoms of motor neuron disease include:

  • Weakness in the upper limbs such as shoulders making lifting things difficult
  • Difficulty in gripping things which leads to dropping things often
  • Cramping in body parts
  • Slurred speech
  • Walking difficulty

Since there is no cure for this disease, the patient’s life is also shortened but there are associations that help ease the symptoms and provide a better life for those affected. Stephen Hawking was detected with MND shortly after he turned 21 but even today continues to have an active family life and an amazing career with the help of technological advancements. Also watch Stephen Hawking endorse the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Originally published on www.thehealthsite.com

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