Multiple System Atrophy: How To Live With The Disease
Multiple system atrophy is a rather rare neurodegenerative disease, affecting the autonomic nervous system and movement.
Symptoms of this disorder include episodes of fainting, changes in heart rhythm and bladder control. In the initial stage, they are very similar to those of Parkinson’s disease.
The ‘ multiple system atrophy has a very fast course. Over time, the subject will need a wheelchair. Among other degenerative processes, intermittent catheterization and executive function disorders are encountered.
The course of the disease is estimated using a rating scale for MSA. In it are cataloged daily activities, neurovegetative motor disability and general disability.
Unfortunately, decline is inevitable in the case of multiple system atrophy. The average life expectancy is 6 – 9 years. There is no cure for this condition, although there are measures and medications that can calm the symptoms.
What is multiple system atrophy?
The cause of multisystem atrophy is not yet known. Experts, however, have carried out several studies to find its origin in any hereditary components or environmental toxins.
In none of the cases is there any evidence to support these theories. The disease causes some areas of the brain to decline and atrophy. In particular, the cerebellum, the basal ganglia and the brain stem, which are responsible for regulating internal body functions, digestion and motor control.
The most characteristic symptoms, among many, are the following:
- Loss of motor skills. This results in difficulty in carrying out basic activities such as closing the mouth or chewing.
- Disruption of sleep cycles. Difficulty falling asleep and feeling fatigued during the day.
- Frequent falls due to loss of body control. Dizziness and fainting.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Absence of sweating, which can occur in any part of the body.
- Vision and speech problems.
The course of multisystem atrophy can vary from subject to subject, but in no case is there a remission of the disease. As the degenerative process evolves, daily activities become increasingly difficult for the patient to perform.
What is the treatment?
There is currently no cure for multisystem atrophy or treatments to slow the course of cognitive decline. However, research is underway to evaluate drugs potentially capable of delaying the evolution of the disease.
People who experience the most severe symptoms have specific drugs or treatments available for this symptomatology. For example, fainting and dizziness are often treated with measures such as including salt in the diet and avoiding large meals and alcohol.
Patients on a salt supplemented diet are also prescribed fludrocortisone. Midodrine is also often prescribed to increase blood volume and narrow blood vessels. In addition, drinking a glass or two of water before getting out of bed can help raise blood pressure.
Course of multisystem atrophy
Multiple system atrophy is estimated to affect fewer than 5 in 100,000 people. Once diagnosed with the disease, patients typically feel the urge and the desire to live the rest of their time to the fullest. At the same time, however, they undergo the degenerative process that can produce a sense of helplessness, cause depression and crisis.
It is extremely important that the patient begins a psychotherapeutic path, so that he can count on valid help to deal with the disease in the best possible way. Similarly, support from family and friends is also essential.
People with multiple system atrophy generally have a life expectancy of between 7 and 10 years from the onset of the first symptoms. However, this index can vary. There are cases of people who have lived with the disease for more than 15 years.
Death is usually caused by respiratory problems due to the inability of the nervous system to guarantee its functionality.
