Progressive supranuclear palsy, also known by the acronym PSP, is a rare neurodegenerative disease, which causes the gradual death of neurons in certain areas of the brain, causing impairment of motor and mental abilities.
It mainly affects men and people over 60 years of age, and is characterized by causing various movement disorders, such as speech disorders, inability to swallow, loss of eye movements, stiffness, falls, postural instability, as well as a picture of dementia, with changes in memory, thinking and personality.
Although there is no cure, it is possible to treat progressive supranuclear palsy, with medicines to alleviate movement limitations, as well as antipsychotics or antidepressants, for example. In addition, physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy are indicated as a way to improve the patient's quality of life.
Main symptoms
Signs and symptoms that can be found in people with progressive supranuclear palsy include:
- Balance changes;
- Difficulty walking;
- Stiffness in the body;
- Frequent falls;
- Inability to pronounce the words, called dysarthria. Understand what dysarthria is and when it may arise;
- Gagging and inability to swallow food, called dysphagia;
- Muscle spasms and distorted postures, which is dystonia. Check how to identify dystonia and what it causes;
- Paralysis of the movement of the eyes, especially in the vertical direction;
- Decrease in face expressions;
- Commitment of metal capabilities, with forgetfulness, slow thinking, personality changes, difficulties of understanding and location.
The set of changes caused by progressive supranuclear palsy is similar to those presented by Parkinson's disease, so this disease can often be confused. Check out how to identify the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Thus, supranuclear palsy is one of the causes of "parkinsonism", also present in several other degenerative diseases of the brain, such as dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, Huntington's disease or into intoxication by certain drugs, for example.
Although the life span of a person with supranuclear palsy varies according to each case, it is known that the disease usually becomes severe after about 5 to 10 years of onset of symptoms, increasing the risk of complications such as lung infections or pressure ulcers on the skin
How to confirm
The diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy is made by the neurologist, although it can be detected by other specialists, such as a geriatrician or psychiatrist, since the signs and symptoms confuse with other degenerative diseases of age or psychiatric diseases.
The physician should make a careful assessment of the patient's signs and symptoms, physical examination and request tests such as laboratory tests, computed tomography of the skull or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, which demonstrate signs of the disease and help rule out other possible causes.
Positron emission tomography is an examination of nuclear radiology, using the help of a radioactive medicine, which is able to obtain more specific images and may demonstrate changes in brain composition and function. Learn how this exam is done and when it is indicated.
How is the treatment done?
Although there is no specific treatment that can prevent or prevent disease progression, your doctor may indicate treatments that help control symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.
Remedies used for the treatment of Parkinson's, such as Levodopa, Carbidopa, Amantadine or Seleginine, for example, although they have little efficacy in these cases, may be useful for relieving motor symptoms. In addition, antidepressant, anxiolytic and antipsychotic medications can help treat mood, anxiety and behavioral changes.
Physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy are essential because they minimize the effects of the disease. The personalized physiotherapeutic treatment is able to correct postures, deformities and gait alterations, thus delaying the need to use a wheelchair.
In addition, welcoming and caring for family members is critical, as as the disease progresses, over the years, the patient may become more dependent on help for daily activities. Check out tips on how to take care of a dependent person.
