Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease in which specific regions of the brain gradually deteriorate, linked to abnormal buildup of the protein tau in a form called 4-repeat tau pathology, making it the second most common tauopathy after Alzheimer's disease. It produces loss of balance, slowed movement, difficulty moving the eyes, and cognitive impairment, and is frequently mistaken for Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, or Alzheimer's disease. Its exact cause is unknown, though a genetic variant of the MAPT gene called the H1 haplotype is strongly associated with the disease, without being sufficient on its own to cause it; drugs such as levodopa and amantadine can offer some symptom relief. The most common subtype affects an estimated 5 to 7 people per 100,000, usually appearing between ages 60 and 70 and slightly more often in men.