Symptoms Of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Stiff & Awkward Movement

After movement of the eyes becomes difficult, movement of the entire body becomes difficult, and individuals may sit or stand in rigid, awkward positions. Progressive supranuclear palsy patients tend to stand perfectly straight and lean back slightly. There might also be awkward movements of the head and eyes. Monotone speech and mask-like facial expressions are common as the disease progresses.

Damage to the brain cells causes the stiff and awkward movement. In PSP patients, a protein called tau builds up in the brain. When broken down properly, it's a naturally-occurring protein. Progressive supranuclear palsy patients do not break it down correctly, so the tau becomes brain-damaging clumps. When abnormal tau clumps affect a person's central nervous system and muscle control, it leads to widespread full-body weakness and difficulty with movement.

Continue reading to learn what symptom related to memory is important to watch for.