| Progressive supranuclear palsy | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Steele–Richardson–Olszewski syndrome, frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism |
 | |
| MRI demonstrating the hummingbird sign of supranuclear palsy due to atrophy of the midbrain | |
| Specialty | Neurology |
| Symptoms | Impaired balance, slowed movements, difficulty moving eyes, dementia |
| Usual onset | 60–70 years |
| Causes | Unknown |
| Differential diagnosis | Parkinson's disease, corticobasal degeneration, FTDP-17, Alzheimer's disease |
| Treatment | Medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy |
| Medication | Levodopa, amantadine |
| Prognosis | Fatal (usually 7–10 years after diagnosis) |
| Frequency | 6 per 100,000 |
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease involving the gradual deterioration and death of specific volumes of the brain.[1][2] The condition leads to symptoms including loss of balance, slowing of movement, difficulty moving the eyes, and cognitive impairment.[1] PSP may be mistaken for other types of neurodegeneration such as Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The cause of the condition is uncertain, but involves the accumulation of tau protein within the brain. Medications such as levodopa and amantadine may be useful in some cases.[1]
PSP affects about six people per 100,000.[1] The first symptoms typically occur at 60–70 years of age. Males are slightly more likely to be affected than females.[1] No association has been found between PSP and any particular race, location, or occupation.[1]