Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and vision. It is a degenerative disorder, meaning that as the disorder progresses, the affected person's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and to interact in society decreases. PSP is caused by a deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, particularly those located in the areas that control movement, balance, and vision. The hallmark sign of PSP is an inability to move the eyes in any direction or focus on an object. This is known as fixed gaze palsy. Other symptoms of PSP include difficulty swallowing, rigid muscles, abnormal postures, falls, and an unsteady, unstable, or shuffling gait. The cause of PSP is unknown. However, a variety of genes have been implicated in the disorder, including the TAU gene. Most cases of PSP are sporadic and occur randomly, but familial cases also exist. It is more common in men than women and most often occurs in people over the age of 50. While there is currently no cure for PSP, some medications may be used to manage symptoms. Most commonly, these medications are anticholinergic drugs. These are drugs that act on the nerves and reduce the debilitating effects of the disorder. Other medications used to manage PSP include dopamine agonists, which help to improve balance, control movement, and decrease rigidity and stiffness. In addition to medications, physical and occupational therapies, as well as speech and language therapy, are used to manage PSP. Therapies such as these can help strengthen muscles, promote balance and coordination, and improve communication skills. There is currently no way to predict how quickly PSP will progress or how long a person will live with the disorder. Some people can live with the condition for years while others may experience a rapid decline. It is important to remember that each person’s experience with PSP is different and that there are ways to manage the disorder.