Motor Neurone Disease Cases Rise, Impacting Families Across Australia
A growing number of Australians are being diagnosed with MND, a progressive and incurable neurological disease, as one family shares their story of how it has impacted their lives.
Leona Lolohea, a 35-year-old mother of five, initially dismissed the weakness in her fingers as carpal tunnel syndrome. However, after two and a half years, her diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) revealed the devastating reality of the incurable condition.
MND is a progressive neurological disease that damages nerve cells controlling muscle movement. For Leona, the first signs appeared at age 32, and over time, the weakness spread from her fingers to her arms and legs. The extent of her declining mobility became apparent during a family cruise in late 2025, requiring increasing assistance from her husband and relatives for daily activities.
Her brother, who previously played rugby league alongside NRL star Jai Arrow, remains close friends with the athlete. The increasing prevalence of MND, affecting individuals like Leona and Jai Arrow, highlights a growing concern across the community. The disease progressively damages the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement, leading to debilitating effects over time.
MND is an incurable condition, and its impact extends beyond the individual, profoundly affecting families. The rising number of cases prompts concern and underscores the need for greater awareness and support for those affected by this challenging disease.