Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare brain disorder that affects movement, balance, vision, speech, and thinking. As time goes on, individuals with PSP may experience increasing difficulty with eye movements, posture, and motor control, ultimately affecting their independence.
What Causes PSP?
The exact cause of PSP is unknown. Scientists understand that in PSP, certain brain cells are affected by a buildup of a protein called tau, which normally helps support the structure of cells. In PSP, however, tau proteins form tangles inside the cells, disrupting their function and leading to cell death. This buildup primarily affects parts of the brain that control movement and thinking, particularly the brainstem and basal ganglia.
How is Age Related to PSP?
PSP typically affects people in their mid-60s, although it can begin earlier or later. It is often mistaken for other movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, due to its similar symptoms, particularly in the early stages.
What Happens in PSP?
Early symptoms of PSP can include stiffness, difficulty walking, and problems with balance. People with PSP may also experience blurred or double vision due to the inability to move their eyes up and down. Over time, these symptoms become more severe, and individuals may find themselves frequently falling backward due to impaired balance.
As PSP progresses, people may have difficulty controlling their eye movements and may feel as though they have a “fixed†gaze. Speech and swallowing problems may develop, making it harder to communicate and eat. Cognitive symptoms, such as difficulty with planning, concentration, and memory, may also emerge. Although individuals with PSP may have trouble speaking and understanding language, they usually retain an awareness of their surroundings.
PSP is a progressive disorder, meaning symptoms worsen over time. A person with PSP may live with the disease for several years, although the exact course of the illness can vary from one individual to another.
Are There Medicines to Treat PSP?
There is currently no cure for PSP. However, certain medications may help manage symptoms. For instance, medications used for Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa, may provide temporary relief for some of the movement issues in PSP. However, their effectiveness often diminishes over time. Additionally, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can be helpful for maintaining mobility and communication skills for as long as possible.
What Other Things Help?
Several lifestyle adjustments and supportive therapies can aid individuals with PSP in managing their symptoms. Physical therapy can improve balance and flexibility, while speech therapy can help with communication and swallowing difficulties. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene are essential for maintaining general brain health. Furthermore, treating any co-existing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure is important, as these can impact brain function.
Resources
- CurePSP https://www.psp.org/
- PSP Association https://www.pspassociation.org.uk/
- Parkinson's Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/about-us/news/curepsp-atypical-parkinsonism
- The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) https://www.theaftd.org/
- Family Caregiver Alliance https://www.caregiver.org/
Participate in Research
- ClinicalTrials.gov for PSP
- National Institutes of Health: PSP Research
Individuals with PSP and their families are encouraged to seek out supportive resources and to participate in research initiatives whenever possible to help advance understanding and treatment of the condition.
