Understanding PSP in Light of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Diagnosis
You may have heard about Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in the news lately, as a result of Reverand Jesse Jackson’s recent announcement about having the disease. You may also be aware that in 2017, Rev. Jackson announced that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It turns out that like in Rev. Jackson’s case, PD and PSP are often confused with each other, especially early in the disease course. The diagnosis may then be revised as new symptoms develop.
PSP vs. PD
While there are some similarities between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and PSP, they are distinct conditions with distinct symptoms, pathologies and rates of decline. PSP is a much less common diagnosis than PD. Both diseases can start with slowness of movement and stiffness. However, people with PSP tend not to have the classic rest tremor that can be very characteristic of PD and people with PD often develop specific eye movement abnormalities that people with PD do not have. In addition, people with PSP tend not to respond to Parkinson’s medications as well as people with PD.
One of the hallmarks of PSP is early, unprovoked falls. People with PSP often retropulse or fall backward without the ability to catch themselves. Poor balance and falling in PD on the other hand, typically occurs in more advanced stages.
Both diseases show neurodegeneration, or nerve cell death, in specific brain cells involved in motor control. However, whereas the protein alpha-synuclein tends to accumulate in the brains of people with PD, the protein tau is present in the brains of people with PSP.
Unfortunately, in addition to the fact that PSP typically shows a more limited response to medications, it also tends to progress more quickly.
Why is this important?
The greater Parkinson’s community includes people with PSP and other similar diseases, collectively known as Parkinson plus syndromes or atypical parkinsonism. Research efforts that focus on all these conditions are vital since an understanding of one of these conditions may have implications for the others.
Reverend Jackson’s case is a reminder that neurodegenerative diseases are complex and inter-related. His diagnosis has drawn attention to PSP and may help raise broader awareness of this rare but serious disorder.
APDA is sending good wishes to Rev. Jackson and his family.