DISEASE SUMMARY:
Corticobasal Degeneration( CBD)
I have this diagnosis
CBD is an adult-onset, neurological disease that impacts movement, speech, coordination and sensory perception.
> TIP: Cross out the two pages of the other diseases that do not apply( e. g., if
the person has CBD, cross out the PSP and MSA pages)
• CBD is commonly referred to as an“ atypical parkinsonian condition” because of the overlap of certain symptoms with Parkinson’ s disease. It may be originally misdiagnosed as Parkinson’ s disease because of this.
• Pathologically it is classified as a tauopathy( which is abnormal accumulation of the tau protein in the brain, which is also found in frontotemporal dementia, or FTD).
• Diagnosis during life is difficult because clinical features often overlap with Parkinson’ s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy( PSP), Alzheimer’ s disease, primary progressive aphasia( PPA) and FTD. Because of this, someone might be given the clinical diagnosis of“ corticobasal syndrome”( CBS).
• CBS / CBD is rare. While the prevalence is unknown, it is thought to be 2-4 people per 100,000 living with the disease. However, this is likely an underestimate given that many people with CBD have not yet been diagnosed or are diagnosed with something else.
• Average age of onset is usually in the 60s.
• It is slightly more common in women.
• Life expectancy averages seven years after symptom onset, with a wide range.
• There is currently no known way to reverse or stop the progression, though many symptoms can be managed with medication, rehabilitation therapies and close monitoring of safety and functioning.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
> Limited response to levodopa therapy
> Faster progression, especially compared to Parkinson’ s disease
> Asymmetrical presentation: symptoms begin on one side, which always remains the most affected through disease progression
> Slowed or absent balance reactions / postural instability and frequent falls
> Rapid, isolated jerks that can occur anywhere in the body( myoclonus)
> Clumsiness in upper or lower extremities
> Clumsy, shuffling or uncoordinated gait
> Parkinsonian symptoms( rigidity, slowness, tremor)
> Changes to vision and eyelid control
> Dystonia: involuntary muscle contractions, commonly with neck or hand
> Constipation and changes to urinary function
> Slurred or softer voice
> Sensory loss, especially with position of limbs in space
> Swallowing difficulty, including drooling and coughing / choking on solids or liquids
> Cognitive changes: slowness of thought, difficulty expressing thoughts or words, difficulty with organization / planning / multitasking and loss of inhibition, poor judgment and impulsivity
> Depression, anxiety and apathy
Refer to the CBD: Some Answers for detailed information on the diagnosis. www. curepsp. org / iwanttolearn
CurePSP Prepare to Care 4