There may be no cure for Motor Neurone Disease but sufferers can at least look forward to a better quality of life in their final years, a pioneering palliative care nurse says.
"In the early days, there was not much we could offer people," Karen Glaetzer said.
"I think there are more options in terms of care. So I think it not only improves your quality of life but also their length of life.
"The emphasis from diagnosis is to give people as much comfort as possible."
Ms Glaetzer has been a nurse for 40 years and in 2003 became Australia's first officially recognised palliative care nurse practitioner.
She chose to specialise in looking after those with MND and on Friday the 56-year-old has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to people living with the disease.
"My colleagues nominated me and I was very honoured that they felt I was worthy of such an award," Ms Glaetzer told AAP.
The insidious disease has hit the headlines in recent years because of some high-profile cases, including that of former AFL footballer Neale Daniher and Olympic cycling coach Gary West.
Ms Glaetzer said such cases had helped raise awareness.
"Every time we get someone who is a bit high profile then that certainly increases the awareness and the funding around MND," Ms Glaetzer said.
Reflecting on the recent controversy surrounding the date of Australia Day, the nurse recognised that some Australians don't celebrate on January 26.
"There was history before Australia became Australia in its current form, I think we need to celebrate all aspects of Australia," Ms Glaetzer said.
