Subsarcolemmal desmin-positive inclusions (photomicrograph)

Progressive supranuclear palsy: cognitive and behavioral changes

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a late-onset degenerative disease of the CNS characterized by balance difficulties, vertical gaze palsy, dysarthria, dysphagia, and axial dystonia. Many patients also present with complaints of cognitive slowing, apathy, loss of verbal fluency, and loss of ability to recognize emotion in others. Patients with PSP are more likely to progress faster if they have poorer baseline performance on cognitive tests.