Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

September 19, 2023

The recent passing of actor Billy Miller, known for his roles in “Young and the Restless” and other soap operas, has drawn attention to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder he battled. While there is currently no cure for PSP, understanding its symptoms and differences from other neurological disorders is essential for early diagnosis and management.

About PSP:

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare neurological disorder that primarily affects body movements, balance, and eye control. It results from the deterioration of brain cells responsible for coordinating these functions. This disorder progresses over time and can lead to complications like pneumonia and swallowing difficulties.

PSP vs Parkinson’s disease

PSP and Parkinson’s disease share some symptoms but have distinct differences. For example, PSP patients often experience axial rigidity leading to backward falls, more pronounced speech and swallowing difficulties, distinctive eye movement problems, and minimal response to levodopa therapy.

Common Symptoms of PSP

Common symptoms of PSP include loss of balance, stiffness, slow movement, eye problems, mood and behavior changes, speech difficulties, forgetfulness, irritability, and problems with swallowing. These challenges can significantly impact the lives of those affected and their loved ones.

Hallmark Characteristic of PSP

The hallmark of PSP is the accumulation of a protein called tau in affected brain cells, while Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the buildup of a different protein called alpha-synuclein.

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