As part of its commitment to promote global awareness and research on multiple system atrophy, the MSA Coalition is a Prime Sponsor of the 7th International Congress of Multiple System Atrophy. The Congress will be hosted by the University of Tokyo and will be held virtually February 26 – 27. The International Congress of MSA brings together top researchers, clinicians and pharmaceutical companies to stimulate global collaboration in the urgent search for better diagnostic tools and treatments for MSA.
“The International Congress of MSA is the single most important meeting of MSA researchers and advocacy groups,” said Cynthia Roemer, EdD, Chair, Board of Directors, the MSA Coalition. “The MSA Coalition believes it is critically important to support and collaborate on a global level to improve outcomes for multiple system atrophy patients worldwide. After initiating the first Global MSA Advocacy meeting at the 2018 Congress, we are delighted to again host a meeting with our current charity partners as a means to unify our efforts. The MSA Coalition proudly supports the International Congress of MSA continuing many years of successful partnership.”
The MSA Coalition Board members Cynthia Roemer and Pam Bower will present the session “MSA Advocacy & Research Directions.” The MSA Coalition funds patient-centric collaborative research aimed at alleviating symptoms, slowing disease progression and discovering a cure. In 2020, the MSA Coalition surpassed $2 million in total research funded.
“We are very thankful to the MSA Coalition for its Prime Sponsorship of this Congress, and the University of Tokyo is proud to be the first ever Japanese host of this prestigious event,” said Shoji Tsuji M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Neurology at the University of Tokyo and President of the 7th International Congress of Multiple System Atrophy. “With virtual presentations by the foremost MSA research experts and top advocates to a global audience of scientists and healthcare professionals, considerable progress can be made towards advancing our understanding of the current state of MSA research. This Congress facilitates the continuing commitment of all participants to work collaboratively on a global scale to advance MSA research, the best hope for making progress against this horrible disorder.”
To learn more about the 7th International Congress of Multiple System Atrophy, visit the Congress website.
Have researchers focused on the possibility that heavy and toxic metals poisoning (either chronic or acute) is a cause or contributing factor of MSA? I believe my father had long-term exposure before developing MSA. Thank you!
Hi Karen,
This has not been looked at yet in MSA. The MSA Coalition is currently supporting a research study that is looking into environmental factors and we hope to have some more definitive answers in the future.
I would like more information on genetics and brain diseases. Recently my Mother (75) was diagnosed as possible MSA (P). Her only sister was diagnosed with CBD and passed away 3 years ago and their Mother had Alzheimer’s. I would appreciate any information you can give me.
Hi Rebecca,
You may wish to be in touch with a researcher who studies the genetics of neurodegenerative diseases. We are aware of a few. Please contact me directly for a referral.
Best regards,
Pam pbower@msacoalition.org
I was diagnosed with P D in 2019 or so . The diagnoses was changer to MSA a year later and it has progressed slowly since. I fall a lot and have injured myself several times. I suffer from many symptoms and conditions. But my doctor seems to think I am holding up rather well.
Hi Allan,
Good to hear you are doing well. If you need some support please contact our support line 866-737-5999. You can also join our MSA patients support group on facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MSAPatients
Good luck,
Pam
My mother was diagnosed with MSA (49) and is in an early stage with obvious symptoms such as urinary incontinence, shaky walking, hand tremors and sleep problems. She is now unable to fall back asleep at night until 2 or 3pm. Is there anything I can do to slow down or control the course of her illness? I would be grateful for any information you can give me.
Hello Yanfei,
From your email I am assuming you live in the UK. If this is correct then I recommend you get in touch with the Multiple System Atrophy Trust in London and they would be very pleased to assist you. https://www.msatrust.org.uk
Best regards,
Pam