Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
What You Should Know

What Is Parkinsonism? What Is PSP?

Parkinsonism means problems with movement like:

• Shaking or tremor
• Stiff muscles
• Moving slowly
• Taking small, slow steps

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common kind of parkinsonism.
PSP is a different, less common kind of parkinsonism. It has some similar problems but also other issues like:

• Problems with balance and falling early on
• Not getting better with usual PD medicines
• Early problems with thinking or memory
• Speech problems and trouble controlling bladder
   

What Happens in PSP?

• You may have trouble walking and keeping balance. You might fall a lot, especially backward.
• Your eyes may have trouble moving, especially looking down. This can make reading hard.
• Your face might look different — staring, with raised eyebrows or frown.
• Your movements get slower and muscles stiff.
• Your voice might become hoarse or slurred. Swallowing food or drinks can be hard.
• You may feel less motivated or have mood changes, like crying or laughing for no clear reason.
• Some people have memory or thinking problems.
   

How Do Doctors Know It’s PSP?

• Doctors look at your symptoms and examine you.
• Early on, it can look like Parkinson’s disease, so it’s not always easy to tell.
• Brain scans (MRI and PET) can help show changes in parts of your brain.
• New biomarkers are emerging to help the diagnosis in the near future.
   

What Causes PSP?

• We do not know what causes PSP.
• It happens because a protein called tau builds up in the brain.
• PSP is not passed from parents to children.
• You cannot catch PSP from someone else.
   

Can PSP Be Treated?

• There is no cure for PSP.
• Some Parkinson’s medicines may help a little at first.
• Medicines for memory problems may help but not always.
• Botox injections can help if your eyelids close too much.
• Medicines can help if you cry or laugh too much or feel sad.
   

How Can I Manage PSP?

• Speech therapists help with talking and swallowing.
• There are devices that can speak for you if you have trouble talking.
• Occupational therapists help you keep doing daily tasks.
• Physical therapists help with walking and balance.
• Special glasses may help with vision.
   

What Should I Expect?

• PSP gets worse over time.
• You may need help with daily activities.
• Planning for future care is important.

 

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