Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects adult men and women. It is caused by degeneration or atrophy (shrinking) of nerve cells in several (or multiple) areas of the brain. This can result in problems with multiple bodily functions such as speech, movement, balance and blood pressure control. It is important to remember that no two people are the same and every person’s experience of MSA will be different. The MSA Trust aims to support every person affected by MSA throughout their journey. Until recently MSA was thought to be a very rare disease. As we learn more about the disease, it has become easier to recognise and diagnose, though for many people it can still take several years to diagnose. Recent research suggests it affects about 4.5 people per 100,000 so that at any one time there are almost 3,300 people living with MSA in the UK. Parkinson’s disease is about 45 times more common, affecting about 210 people per 100,000 in the UK. The Multiple System Atrophy Trust is the only charity in the UK supporting people with MSA.