Hi MM,
MSA is one of the four atypical parkinsonism disorders in our local group. It's like LBD but without the dementia and the autonomic symptoms are much worse.
Robin

I don't know if this interests you or not but I've read that MSA doesn't turn into LBD but PAF (Pure Autonomic Failure) can turn into either MSA or LBD.

My uncle ( by marriage ) has MSA. It is an awful thing to watch happen to a person. Hardy anyone can understand his speech. He has to be fed, cannot walk, has to be catheterized. Almost helpless, but still has good mentality. My aunt cares for him herself. She is a special person.

Thanks for the info on it!

#1 daughter -
Which do you consider worse for the patient -- PD, LBD, MSA? Worse for the caregiver? I'm curious to know your views!
Robin

Hard choice to make.
Right now I would have to say my dad with PD is hardest to care for. It's probably because of the stage he is in ( which I am not sure of ). It will get worse in the near future I am sure. He cries for the things he can't do anymore. It is very hard on him.

Mother with LBD is doing OK now but next year at this time I may be think she is the hardest to care for. I know this is just the quiet before the storm. I don't think it is quite as hard on her as yet.
I haven't seen the full ugly head of LEWY but it is coming....

My uncle with MSA can't do anything yet has his cognitive ability. He knows what is happening to him. He can't even converse with others. he has MSA-C
It is very hard on my aunt who never complains but the hardest part is yet to come.

I guess I would have to say that MSA is the most horrible disease of the 3.

PD in the later stages is just as hard on the patient as MSA.

All 3 are hard on the caregiver. VERY HARD!

Of course ours is double so our caregiving is difficult. Never a dull moment.

All three will be together Thanksgiving Day so it should be interesting.