Blog

UK Disability History Month: Reflections from our Members

UK Disability History Month is celebrated from the 16th of November to the 16th of December.

This year, we invited members to look back and share some reflections on the history of their organisation to recognise their fantastic work over the years. 

Multiple System Atrophy Trust 2nd MSA Needs Survey Publication

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare progressive neurological condition that affects adult women and men. It is life limiting and causes problems with movement, balance, and autonomic functions of the body such as bladder and blood pressure control.

There are an estimated 240 people living with MSA in Scotland but as diagnosis is complex many will be as yet undiagnosed. Our MSA Nurse Specialist for Scotland is Katie Rigg and she can be contacted by emailing katie.rigg@msatrust.org.uk

The MSA Trust has recently conducted our second MSA Needs Survey looking at the needs and experiences of people affected by MSA.

To capture as many responses and experiences as possible we ran three questionnaires – for people living with MSA, for carers and for people who had previously cared for a loved one with MSA. A total of 520 people responded.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

by Alice Struthers, Programme Director, Neurological Alliance of Scotland

This Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 21 May 2023) we want to focus on everyone who lives with a neurological condition, many of whom struggle with their mental health. 

There are an estimated 600 neurological conditions, many of which are rare and difficult to diagnose. Some, like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and ME are fluctuating, so people live with a sense of not knowing when they might have a relapse or have a seizure, or if they are in a relapse, when they might start to feel better. Some neurological conditions are life-long, like cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy, all of which cause disabilities that also have a huge impact on families and care givers. Some, like dementia, Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s are degenerative and rob the person of their independence, mobility and mental cognition over time.

Raising Awareness and support for those with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a relatively rare neurodegenerative condition that may affect anyone from the age of 30 years old, though most commonly people are in their mid-50s when diagnosed. There are thought to be around 4000 people at any point in time across the UK and Ireland who have MSA.