Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

The average age of onset of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) symptoms is between 50 and 70 years and males are more commonly affected.

It is thought to be associated with an over-production of a naturally occurring brain protein called tau. In PSP, however, tau starts to form tangles which damage nerve cells.

Causes

PSP is caused by the progressive death of nerve cells in the brain that leads to difficulty with balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing. It is a sporadic condition not linked to toxic substances or genetics.

Symptoms

Remember, there is considerable variation in the symptoms and rate of progression in individuals with PSP. Early signs and symptoms of PSP include loss of balance, falls (usually backwards), stiffness and eye problems.

As the tongue movements slow, problems with speech, communication, eating, and feeding are common and occur fairly soon after diagnosis.

Vision issues include difficulties with focusing, looking up or down, having double or tunnel vision and dislike of bright lights.

Some people can experience behavioural and cognitive changes ranging from irritability, depression, apathy, and clumsiness.

Irresponsibility or lack of understanding, including inability to follow simple instructions may arise. For example, insistence that they are safe to drive despite visual problems, poor spatial awareness, and slow reactions. They also fail to display gratitude.

People become increasingly immobile as PSP progresses. Constipation, lack of bowel control and urinary problems may develop.

Diagnosis

As PSP symptoms resemble other neurological conditions, misdiagnoses are common.

A clinical diagnosis is made on medical history and nervous system examination. A scan may help determine between PSP and other atypical Parkinsonism conditions.