Due to my mainly Autonomic symptoms I am worried I may have MSA and am clinging on to the fact I may be too old. Everything I read says it starts in a person’s 50s and I am 66. Symptoms started at about 63. Can anyone reading this with MSA confirm I am correct in my assumption?
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Hi Rob28. Thank you for your post.
We’re sorry to hear about the difficulty you’ve been having. There is some information on MSA on the NHS website here which will be useful: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) - NHS
We would encourage you to speak to your GP as they will be able to advise you best. If needed, you can also call our free helpline on 0808 800 0303 and our specialist advisers will be able to signpost you accordingly.
Please take care.
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team 
Hi Rob28, thanks for sharing how you’re feeling I’m sorry you’re going through this worry.
You’re right that Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is typically diagnosed in people in their 50s to early 60s, which likely adds to your concern at age 66. However, it’s important to know that while it’s less common, it can still manifest later than textbook age ranges.
Trying to distinguish between MSA and Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be challenging, even for experts especially early in the progression. A firm diagnosis often hinges on long-term observation and specialist testing, and sometimes confirmation only comes after an autopsy. Many people with MSA experience poor response to levodopa, particularly in the Parkinsonian subtype, which can be one diagnostic clue.
It might be helpful to review a past thread on this forum where similar diagnostic uncertainty is discussed: “Pd or multiple system atrophy”.
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