PSP

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, control of walking (gait), balance, speech, swallowing, vision, mood, behavior, and thinking. It results from the deterioration of cells in areas of the brain that control body movement and thinking.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of PSP typically begin after the age of 60 and may include:

• Postural instability and frequent falls
• Dysarthria (difficulty with speech)
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Supranuclear gaze palsy (difficulty moving the eyes, particularly in the vertical direction)
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
• Rigidity (stiffness)
• Cognitive impairment and changes in mood or behavior

Causes

The exact cause of PSP is unknown, but it is associated with the accumulation of abnormal tau protein in the brain. This accumulation leads to the death of neurons and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which are also seen in other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PSP is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic signs and symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other imaging techniques may be used to rule out other conditions. There are no specific laboratory tests for PSP.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for PSP, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms. This may include:

• Physical therapy to improve balance and mobility
• Speech therapy to address speech and swallowing difficulties
• Medications such as levodopa to manage parkinsonian symptoms, although the response is often limited

Prognosis

PSP is a progressive condition, and symptoms typically worsen over time. The rate of progression can vary, but most individuals with PSP experience significant disability within a few years of diagnosis. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is approximately 6-10 years.

Related Conditions

PSP is part of a group of disorders known as atypical parkinsonism, which also includes conditions such as multiple system atrophy (MSA) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD).

See Also

• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple system atrophy
• Corticobasal degeneration
• Alzheimer's disease
• Neurodegenerative disorder