Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Current Theories on Causes

Researchers understand the basic cause of the disease. Tau is a protein that occurs naturally within a person's brain, and the average person can process and dispose of tau. But some people lack the ability to process their tau properly, leading to buildups of tau in the brain, which cause the brain cells to degenerate. Not only is tau the main factor causing PSP, but it is also a primary concern with Alzheimer's. The frustrating part is researchers do not yet understand what causes a person to stop being able to process tau. If more was known about the tau processing system, scientists might be able to make artificial medications to process the tau buildups. This would be a method similar to giving diabetic people insulin.

Removal of the excess tau is the most important aspect of potential treatment. The patient should also have a way to keep tau buildup from forming in the future. However, scientists have yet to develop a therapy capable of managing this.

Current theories on causes hypothesize the lack of tau processing capability is most likely related to aging, given that tau-related illnesses almost always occur in older adults. But exactly why do we lose our ability to process tau as we get older? What system or ability is shutting down in our brains? When scientists have the answers to these questions, they may have more definitive answers about treatment options.

Get familiar with some complications linked to progressive supranuclear palsy next.