Motor Neuron Disorders and Related Diseases

This volume provides a comprehensive and scholarly accounting of motor neuron disorders, a group of diseases that are both clinically and genetically diverse. Clinicians and neuroscientists alike will find invaluable research and information on recent advancements that have occurred in the understanding of these disorders.

From specific discussions of their underlying molecular pathogenesis, to advancements in therapies and diagnosis, users will find a resource that presents a comprehensive understanding of the general clinical features and management of these devastating disorders. In addition, new tactics that can be used to enhance patient care are also presented and discussed.

Specific chapters within the volume include discussions pertaining to the historical aspects of motor neuron diseases, comparative anatomy, physiology, and development of the corticospinal system, and discussions of spinal muscular atrophies, amongst others. In addition, symptomatic therapy and the palliative aspects of clinical patient care are also presented.

* A scholarly accounting of new research in motor neuron disorders and their associated diseases* The intricate relationships that exist between different motor neuron related disorders* A comprehensive resource that provides a guide to the diagnosis and treatment of motor neuron disorders, along with new approaches to patient care

Professor Dame Pam Shaw is Professor of Neurology at the University of Sheffield and Director of: the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN); the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience; the Sheffield Care and Research Centre for Motor Neuron Disorders and the cross-faculty Sheffield Neuroscience Institute.
She is a Clinician Scientist in Neurology, formerly a Wellcome Trust Senior Fellow and an NIHR Senior Investigator. Her team investigates genetic, molecular and neurochemical mechanisms underlying ALS/MND; investigates new therapeutic targets and translates new neuroprotective and symptomatic treatment approaches into the clinic, including genetic therapy approaches. She has active programmes in systematic biosample collection and biomarker identification in ALS/MND.
She has authored more than 550 publications (H-index 116). Her research is funded by NIHR, the MRC, Wellcome Trust, MND Association, MyName’5 Doddie Foundation, EU and biotech/pharmaceutical industry partners.
From 2009-2016 she initiated and led the national UK Clinical Studies Group for ALS/MND, a clinical research and trials network which links 20 ALS/MND Care and Research Centres. Prof. Shaw has taken part in more than 25 ALS/MND clinical trials, including roles as Chief Investigator and Steering Committee member and also including several academic-led studies. She is an active member of the European Network for the Cure of ALS (ENCALS) and the TRICALS clinical trials platform.