Parkinsons Disease And Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Patient Leaflets Team
- Reference Number: HEY1159/2020
- Departments: Ophthalmology Department, Orthoptic
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How Do You Cure A Psp
Theres currently no cure for progressive supranuclear palsy and no treatment to slow it down, but there are lots of things that can be done to help manage the symptoms. As PSP can affect many different areas of your health, youll be cared for by a team of health and social care professionals working together.
What Is Parkinsons Plus Syndrome
Parkinsons plus syndrome is the name for a group of neurological conditions that are very similar to Parkinsons disease. Because these conditions cause symptoms that are very similar to Parkinsons, they are often incorrectly diagnosed. However, these conditions can even be treated using many of the same medications and therapies as Parkinsons.
Conditions that are considered Parkinsons plus syndromes include:
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What Parts Of The Brain Does Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Affect
Eventually PSP will spread to virtually every part of your brain. PSP affects various parts of your brain to a varying extent and at various stages of the disease. Your basal ganglia and brainstem tend to be affected early and more severely. The brainstem is responsible for a large number of vital functions, including your ability to swallow, and posture control. The basal ganglia also help with posture, as well as eye movements, thinking and emotions. Additionally, the basal ganglia are essential to the control of automated movements.
Where Can I Get More Information
For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute’s Brain Resources and Information Network at:
Office of Neuroscience Communications and EngagementNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNational Institutes of HealthBethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
If you have PSP, youll likely experience the following symptoms that worsen with time. Youll likely:
- Lose your balance frequently. You may fall, especially backwards.
- Lose the ability to aim your eyes. You might not be able to look up or down, follow something thats moving, or keep your eyes fixed on something still. Your eyelids might retract , giving your face a surprised look.
- Have trouble swallowing.
- Feel stiff muscles and move slowly.
- Have trouble speaking. Your speech might be quieter and slurred, impairing your ability to pronounce words.
- Feel mood changes and observe behavioral changes.
- Experience depression and apathy .
- Get dementia. Your thoughts will be slow, youll have difficulty resisting impulses and you may find problem-solving difficult.
- Have insomnia .
- Feel irritable and agitated.
What Is Parkinsons Disease And Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Parkinsons disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy are similar conditions in which there is a premature deterioration of nerve cells in the midbrain. Onset of both diseases is in late middle age with men more likely to be affected by both conditions. PSP occurs less frequently than Parkinsons disease.
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How Do I Take Care Of Myself If I Have Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Take as many precautions as you can to keep yourself safe. Put railings in your hallways and bathtub to help when you lose your balance. Use a weighted walker or a wheelchair. Consider getting rid of objects that are on the floor or near it such as rugs and short coffee tables. It is likely youll trip over these objects because, as your symptoms worsen, youll be unable to look down without prism glasses.
Also, purchase shoes with smooth soles instead of rubber soles. If youre unable to lift your foot when you start to walk, you might fall forward. Smooth soles make it easier for the foot to slide forward. You can also wear bifocals or prism glasses to help with looking down. Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
How Is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Diagnosed
PSP is diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs and exam findings, but it often isnt easy to diagnose. Theres no single test that points right at it with certainty. It is often mistaken for Parkinsons disease and it can sometimes take years to distinguish PSP from PD.
If your healthcare provider suspects PSP based on the symptoms you report, he or she will likely send you to get a MRI . This will help to rule out other diseases such as Parkinsons and occasionally it can show shrinking of your midbrain that raises the possibility of PSP in the appropriate clinical setting. Youll also be sent to a neurologist specializing in Parkinsons disease and movement disorders.
Although there are many symptoms of PSP, the one that confirms the diagnosis is trouble moving your eyes up and down. Other common symptoms like falling and difficulty swallowing also point at PSP.
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What Is Aaron Neville Doing Now
Neville hasnt performed live since March 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic caused concerts to come to an abrupt halt in the U.S. Instead, he has livestreamed solo performances from Freville Farm, the 12-acre home in upstate New York where he and his wife, photographer Sarah A. Friedman, have lived since 2013.
What Does Psp Do To You
PSP affects your ability to walk normally by impairing your balance. It also affects the muscles controlling your eyes, making it difficult to focus and see things clearly. Progressive supranuclear palsy is rare. It may be easily mistaken for Parkinson disease, which is much more common and has similar symptoms.
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What Can I Expect If Ive Been Diagnosed With Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Your symptoms will slowly worsen with time. PSP cant be reversed, and it cant be cured. However, the sooner the diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is put into place, the better your quality of life will be.
Most patients with PSP become wheelchair-bound. They may need part or full time care as early as three to four years into the disease. This depends on the person.
Unfortunately, in the long-term, complications of the disease can be fatal. PSP wont directly kill you, but it is deadly. Common complications include choking, pneumonia, fractures and head injuries .
Iconic Singer Speaks About Her Neurological Condition
The year 2019 turned out to be a memorable year for singing icon Linda Ronstadt. The most successful female singer of the 1970s became one of the five recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors. In addition, Ronstadt is the subject of a new CNN Filmsdocumentary, “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice.”
But these accolades are bittersweet. In 2000, she began to have difficulty singing. As she toldCNN’s Anderson Cooper, “I couldn’t hear the top end of my voice. I couldn’t hear the part that I used to get in tune. My throat would clutch up. It would just be like I had a cramp or something.” She was initially diagnosed as having Parkinson’s disease, and by 2009 she had to retire from singing. A re-evaluation in late 2019 changed her diagnosis to the rare brain disorder, progressive supranuclear palsy .
Ronstadt told Cooper that her illness has had a major impact on her life: “Everything becomes a challenge. Brushing your teeth, taking a shower… I find creative new ways to do things. I’m like a toddler. Eating is hard…. I’ve had to relearn how to eat. You could carve a new brain map if you’re patient and willing to do that, but it’s hard.”
When asked by Cooper what advice she would give to “people facing obstacles, or facing Parkinson’s — maybe some people who have just received diagnoses,” she replied, without hesitation: “Acceptance.”
What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy?
What are the symptoms?
How is PSP different from Parkinson’s disease?
What causes PSP?
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What Are The First Signs And Symptoms Of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
The pattern of symptoms varies widely from person to person. Often, friends and family members are more aware of these changes than the affected person.
Most patients with PSP display the characteristic findings of the slowness of movement, stiffness, balance difficulty, and eye movement problems. The classic eye movement problem is an inability to voluntarily move the eyes downward, although this problem may take time to develop. Ultimately, all voluntary eye movements may be lost.
Generally, the cognitive and behavioral symptoms are mild and less severe than in other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and stroke-related dementia. These symptoms are more likely to occur in the later stages of the disease.
Whats The Difference Between Corticobasal Degeneration And Parkinsons
The main difference between CBD and Parkinsons is that it usually starts on one side with the gradual loss of use of one hand or leg , and there may be little flicks of involuntary muscle jerks. Walking and balance difficulties usually occur later in CBD than in Parkinsons. Also, in CBD, a person may have trouble with purposeful movements, such as buttoning a shirt or cutting food.
For more information on corticobasal degeneration, read this information page.
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Is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Fatal
PSP itself does not directly kill. Unfortunately, PSP symptoms increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia, which can be deadly. Aspiration pneumonia is the most common cause of death in people with PSP. It happens because the muscles in your throat become weak and uncoordinated, and food and drink accidentally trickle down your windpipe and into your lungs.
Another common cause of death in PSP falling. You may suffer fractures and head trauma.
Problems With Low Light And Pbright Light :
You might find that it is difficult to see in low light levels. You may also be unable to make out the shape of things clearly, such as a light-coloured object on a light background. This can also affect your ability to read small print. The use of daylight bulbs may provide better lighting. If bright light is a problem, wraparound sunglasses or tinted lenses can help.
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When Does Cardiology Associates Open For The Day
Please contact your primary care physician for assistance. Cardiology Associates remains open as scheduled, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., for essential patient visits and diagnostic testing. It is important, especially for heart patients, to pay attention to any symptoms and continue their routine care.
Is Dizziness A Symptom Of Psp
Falls experienced by a PSP patient are often described as having a state of dizziness, prior to actually falling. This dizziness description is sometimes misdiagnosed as an inner ear problem or a hardening of the arteries that are blocking blood flow to the brain. Other common symptoms of PSP include: Forgetfulness.
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Who Are The Cardiology Associates Of Fairfield County
The Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County website is designed to help you understand our philosophy regarding your care, and to answer some important questions about our services. We strive to provide a comfortable atmosphere in which every patient enjoys personalized attention while receiving the highest quality care available.
Which Psp Is Best
If youre looking for a machine to play retail games and movies or PlayStation Network content, then either the PSP-2000 or PSP-3000 is your best bet. The main difference between the two models is the screen. The PSP-3000 has a brighter screen, but some users saw scan lines when playing certain games.
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Living With Supranuclear Palsy
Although there is no known cure, medicines and devices can help you live with the symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to find ways to make walking safer and improve your vision. PSP is not fatal but it is important that you do not breathe in food particles while you are eating because it could be life threatening.
Whats The Difference Between Multiple System Atrophy And Parkinsons
Parkinsons and MSA both affect the movement control system and the involuntary autonomic control system and early symptoms can make a differential diagnosis a challenge. MSA, however, tends to progress faster than Parkinsons balance problems and a stooped posture happen earlier and get worse more quickly with MSA and autonomic functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, sweating, bladder function, and sexual problems are more severe in people with MSA.
For more information on multiple symptom atrophy, read this fact sheet.
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How Can My Friends And Family Help If I Have Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Tell your friends and family about your symptoms. Let them know what you can and cant do. Help them understand that changes in your personality, eye contact and mood are part of the illness. Its also important to explain to them that the severity of your symptoms can come and go. One hour, you may be walking, eating and writing just fine, and the next hour you might barely be able to do those things at all.
If youre a caregiver for someone with PSP, be sure to take care of yourself, too!
Is Parkinson’s Disease Hereditary
Hereditary diseasesParkinson’s diseaseHereditarydiseaseParkinson’s disease6 Celebrities With Parkinson’s Disease
- Muhammad Ali. Ali was initially diagnosed in 1984, just three short years after he retired from boxing.
- Michael J. Fox.
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- Billy Graham.
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How Is Parkinsons Plus Diagnosed
People with Parkinsons plus syndrome are often diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in the early years of their condition. However, their condition wont progress like Parkinsons disease. It might progress faster, and they might start to develop symptoms that arent present in Parkinsons disease.
There is no definitive test for Parkinsons or Parkinsons plus syndrome. Instead, a doctor might conduct a series of tests that will look at your balance, ability to walk, and coordination. These are generally simple in-office tests involving the doctor watching you walk, sit, stand, and perform other movements. Youll likely also do some memory and cognition tests with the doctor.
The doctor might also order some imaging tests to get a closer look at your brain. These may include:
- MRI scan. An MRI uses magnetic waves to create images of your body.
- PET scan. A PET scan uses a special dye to look for damage to your brain.
- CT. A CT scancan check your brain activity.
What Is The Prognosis
The disease gets progressively worse, with people becoming severely disabled within three to five years of onset. Affected individuals are predisposed to serious complications such as pneumonia, choking, head injury, and fractures. The most common cause of death is pneumonia. With good attention to medical and nutritional needs, it is possible for individuals with PSP to live a decade or more after the first symptoms of the disease appear.
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What Are Some Of The Later Symptoms Of Psp
The word “progressive” was included in the palsy’s name, because symptoms typically progressively worsen for a patient. After seven to nine years, PSP becomes more difficult to deal with. The disease usually causes physical imbalance and stiffness of the body to grow worse, making walking very difficult or sometimes impossible.
Problems with eyesight also occur in the later stages of PSP. Usually, visual problems can become as much of an issue as impaired walking for the patient. Eyesight is most affected by the difficulty to aim the eye properly, making reading very hard. Another eyesight problem that is sometimes encountered is the inability to maintain visual contact with another person during conversation. PSP can also cause “tunnel vision,” which sometimes causes problems while a person is trying to drive a car.
How Is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Treated
While there is no medicine or procedure available to cure PSP or completely control its symptoms, there are strategies and methods that can help manage many of the symptoms.
To improve balance and improve flexibility of the muscles, medicines used to treat Parkinson disease may be effective. These include the medicine levodopa, which may be used along with other medicines. Some of the older types of antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and imipramine, can also help relieve symptoms.
If you have PSP, you may be able to use certain aids to make life easier. For example:
- Special glasses with prisms may improve your vision.
- A weighted tool that helps you walk more easily can prevent you from falling backward.
- Physical therapy and exercise may slightly improve flexibility in some people.
When symptoms are advanced and swallowing becomes too hard, you may need a feeding tube. This tube goes from an opening made in the skin of your abdomen into the stomach and provides you with needed nutrition.
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Whats The Outlook For People With Parkinsons Plus
Although there currently isnt a treatment to halt the progression of Parkinsons plus syndrome, there are treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The exact outlook for Parkinsons plus syndrome depends on the person and the specific condition they have. Someone who is otherwise healthy when theyre diagnosed will typically have a longer life expectancy than someone who is already facing other health conditions when theyre diagnosed. Your doctor will monitor your condition over time and can let you know how its progressing.