Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Overview

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When British actor and comedian Dudley Moore died on March 27, 2002, the official cause of death was listed as pneumonia. But, in truth, Moore had been battling a rare condition known as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) which causes the gradual deterioration of parts of the brain that regulate balance, muscle control, cognitive function, and certain voluntary and involuntary movements such as swallowing and eye movement.

Senior African American couple, man in wheelchair
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Causes

While the cause of progressive supranuclear palsy is largely unknown, it is thought to be associated with a mutation on a specific part of a gene known as chromosome 17.

Unfortunately, it's not all that uncommon a mutation. While nearly every person with PSP has this genetic anomaly so, too, do two-thirds of the general population. As such, the mutation is seen to be a contributing rather than the sole factor for the disorder. Environmental toxins and other genetic issues may also play a part.

Scientists are also not yet entirely sure to what extent PSP is associated with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease with which it shares certain characteristic symptoms.

PSP is estimated to affect 6 of every 100,000 people with the onset of symptoms typically occurring around the age of 50 or 60. Men tend to be affected slightly more than women.

Symptoms

One of the most characteristic, "tell-tale" symptoms of PSP involves eye movement control, most notably the ability to look down. The condition, known as ophthalmoparesis, causes the weakening or paralysis of certain muscles around the eyeball. Vertical movement of the eyes is also commonly affected. As the condition worsens, the upward gaze may also be impacted.

Due to the lack of focal control, persons experiencing ophthalmoparesis will frequently complain about double vision, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Poor eyelid control may also occur.

As other parts of the brain are affected, PSP will manifest with a range of common symptoms which tend to worsen over time. These include:

  • Unsteadiness and loss of balance
  • General slowing of movement
  • Slurring of words
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Memory loss
  • Facial muscle spasms
  • A backward tilt of head due to stiffening of neck muscles
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Changes in behavior, including loss of inhibition and sudden outbursts
  • Slowing of complex and abstract thought
  • Loss of organizational or planning skills (such as managing finances, getting lost, keeping up with work commitments)

Diagnosis

PSP is commonly misdiagnosed in the early stages of the disease and is often misattributed to an inner ear infection, thyroid problem, stroke, or Alzheimer's disease (especially in the elderly).

The diagnosis of PSP is based largely on symptoms. It is a process by which all other possible causes need to be excluded. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain stem may be used to support the diagnosis.

In cases of PSP, there will usually be signs of wasting (atrophy) in the part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord. On an MRI, a side view of this brain stem may show what some call a "penguin" or "hummingbird" sign (so named because its shape is like that of a bird).

This, along with symptoms, differential investigations, and genetic testing, may provide the evidence needed to make a diagnosis.

How PSP Differs From Parkinson's Disease

In order to differentiate PSP from Parkinson's, doctors will take into consideration things like posture and medical history.

People with PSP will typically maintain an upright or arched-backed posture, while people with Parkinson's will tend to have a more stooped-forward position.

Moreover, people with PSP are more prone to falls due to a progressive lack of balance. While persons with Parkinson's are also at considerable risk of falling, those with PSP tend to do so backward due to the characteristic stiffening of the neck and arched-back posture.

With that being said, PSP is considered to be part of a group of neurodegenerative diseases called Parkinson-plus syndrome for which some also include Alzheimer's.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for PSP. Some people may respond to the same drugs used to treat Parkinson's, such as Requip (ropinirole), although the response tends to be poor.

Certain antidepressant medications, such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Elavil (amitryptiline), and Tofranil (imipramine), may help with some of the cognitive or behavioral symptoms a person may be experiencing.

Besides medication, special glasses (bifocals, prisms) may help with visual problems, while walking aids and other adaptive devices may improve mobility and prevent falls.

While physical therapy won't typically improve motor problems, it may help keep the joints limber and prevent the deterioration of muscles due to inactivity. In cases of severe dysphagia, a feeding tube may be needed.

Surgically implanted electrodes and pulse generators used in deep brain stimulation therapy for Parkinson's have not proven effective in treating PSP.

The prognosis for PSP is generally poor. The disease gets progressively worse, with most people becoming severely disabled within 3 to 5 years. The most common cause of death is pneumonia.

A Word From Verywell

Despite the lack of understanding about PSP and the limited treatment options, it's important to remember that the disease has no set course and can vary significantly from person to person.

With consistent medical oversight and good nutrition, a person with PSP can, in fact, live for years/ Some people with PSP have been known to live well in excess of 5 years and even more than a decade.

For individuals and families living with the disease, it is important to seek support to avoid isolation and to better access patient-centered information and referrals.

These include such organizations as the New York City-based CurePSP which offer in-person and online support groups, a directory of specialist physicians, and a network of trained peer supporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long did Dudley Moore have progressive supranuclear palsy?

    Dudley Moore was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in 1998. He lived with the condition until his death on March 27, 2002. It is possible that he had the disease for a few years before 1998, but most people diagnosed with PSP survive between five to nine years after it appears.

  • Is progressive supranuclear palsy hereditary?

    It is unknown if progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is hereditary. This might be due to how other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, can appear similar to PSP. However, PSP may partially be influenced by a specific mutation on chromosome 17.

11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  7. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Progressive supranuclear palsy fact sheet.

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  9. Galazky I, Kaufman J, Lorenzi S, et al. Deep brain stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus for treatment of gait and balance disorder in progressive supranuclear palsy: Effects of frequency modulations and clinical outcome. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2018;50:81-86. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.02.027

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By Mary Kugler, RN
Mary Kugler, RN, is a pediatric nurse whose specialty is caring for children with long-term or severe medical problems.