Home Care for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in Westlake, OH

What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)?

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare, degenerative neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, vision, and cognitive function. It occurs when certain areas of the brain, including the brainstem and basal ganglia, gradually deteriorate, leading to symptoms such as stiffness, slowed movements, difficulty with walking, frequent falls, and problems with eye movement, particularly looking up or down.

People with PSP may also experience changes in speech, swallowing, and mood, as well as cognitive difficulties such as impaired judgment or memory. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, PSP typically progresses more rapidly and does not respond as well to standard Parkinson’s medications. While there is currently no cure, treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life through physical therapy, medication for specific symptoms, and supportive care.

Different Forms of PSP

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is not a single uniform condition; it can present in several different subtypes, each with distinct patterns of symptoms. Here are the main types:

1. PSP-Richardson’s Syndrome (PSP-RS): This is the most common form of PSP. Characterized by early balance problems and frequent falls, stiffness, slowed movements, and difficulty with eye movements (especially looking up or down). Cognitive changes, such as slowed thinking and personality changes, are also common.
2. PSP-Parkinsonism (PSP-P): Symptoms of this subtype resemble Parkinson’s disease more closely. Individuals may experience tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and some improvement with Parkinson’s medications. Eye movement problems and postural instability typically appear later than in PSP-RS.
3. PSP-Pure Akinesia with Gait Freezing (PSP-PAGF): This condition is marked by severe difficulty initiating movement, particularly walking, without prominent tremors or rigidity initially. Eye movement abnormalities are also less pronounced at first. Cognitive function often remains relatively preserved in early stages.
4. PSP-Corticobasal Syndrome (PSP-CBS): Symptoms of this condition overlap with corticobasal degeneration. Patients often have asymmetrical limb stiffness, jerky movements, and difficulty performing coordinated tasks (apraxia). Speech and cognitive problems, such as memory issues, are common as the disease progresses.
5. PSP-Frontal (PSP-F): Cognitive and behavioral changes are the most prominent early symptoms. Individuals may exhibit personality changes, executive dysfunction, and impaired judgment before movement problems become apparent.
6. PSP-Speech/Language (PSP-SL): Progressive difficulties with speech and language, including slurred speech (dysarthria) or difficulty finding words (aphasia), are the first noticeable signs. Movement and balance problems often appear later in the course of the disease.
7. PSP-Ocular Motor Dysfunction (PSP-OM): Eye movement problems are the primary symptom. Patients experience difficulty looking up or down, blurry vision, and difficulty controlling eye movements, often before noticeable balance or gait issues.
8. PSP-Postural Instability (PSP-PI): Early and prominent balance and gait problems are the hallmark of this subtype. Falls occur frequently, often without significant tremors or stiffness initially. Cognitive and eye movement symptoms may appear later.
9. PSP-Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PSP-PLS): Upper motor neuron symptoms, such as progressive spasticity and stiffness, dominate early on. Weakness, exaggerated reflexes, and difficulty with voluntary movements are common. Eye movement and cognitive symptoms develop later.
10. PSP-Cerebellar (PSP-C): Early cerebellar signs include poor coordination, unsteady gait, and difficulty with fine motor tasks. Tremors and balance problems are pronounced. Other typical PSP symptoms, including eye movement abnormalities, appear as the disease progresses.

Each type of PSP progresses differently, and symptoms can overlap, making diagnosis challenging. Early recognition of the subtype can help tailor treatment strategies and supportive care.

Complications Caused by PSP

All forms of PSP can lead to a wide range of complications as the disease advances, affecting both physical and cognitive functions. The following are the most common complications of PSP:

• Frequent Falls and Injuries – Due to balance problems and postural instability, increasing the risk of fractures and head trauma.
• Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia) – Can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia, a serious health risk.
• Vision Problems – Difficulty moving the eyes or blurred/double vision can make daily tasks and mobility challenging.
• Cognitive Impairment – Slowed thinking, memory problems, and executive dysfunction may interfere with decision-making and daily activities.
• Behavioral and Mood Changes – Depression, apathy, or irritability can affect quality of life and relationships with caregivers.
• Loss of Independence – Progression of physical and cognitive symptoms may require increasing levels of personal and medical care.
• Muscle Stiffness and Joint Issues – Rigidity and slowed movement can lead to joint pain, contractures, and reduced overall mobility.
• Speech and Communication Difficulties – Slurred speech or difficulty forming words can impair effective communication.
• Increased Caregiver Burden – The combination of physical, cognitive, and behavioral complications places significant demands on family and professional caregivers.

PSP Home Care Services from Assisting Hands

Assisting Hands Home Care provides compassionate, personalized care for individuals with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), helping them stay safe and independent at home. Our trained caregivers assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, mobility, and meal preparation, while also offering medication reminders and companionship. We focus on preventing falls, managing symptoms, and providing emotional support, all within a safe, comfortable environment.

By tailoring each care plan to the individual’s needs, our Progressive Supranuclear Palsy caregiver can ensure that PSP patients receive the support they need to maintain quality of life and independence. We can help PSP patients by providing the following:

• Personal Care Support: Our caregivers provide gentle assistance with everyday activities, including bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and other personal care needs, ensuring comfort and dignity for your loved ones.
• Medication Management: We help keep medications on schedule by offering reminders and guidance, making sure your loved ones take the correct doses at the right times.
• Mobility Assistance: Whether it’s moving from bed to chair or navigating around the home, our caregivers provide safe, reliable support to maintain independence and prevent falls.
• Companionship and Social Engagement: Beyond practical care, our caregivers form meaningful connections with your loved ones, offering conversation, activities, and emotional support to reduce loneliness and enhance overall well-being.
• Transportation and Errand Support: We provide safe, dependable transportation for doctor visits, errands, and appointments, helping your loved ones stay active and connected to their community.
• Overnight Care: Our caregivers are available overnight to monitor, assist, and respond to any needs or emergencies, providing peace of mind while your loved ones rest.
• Live-In and 24-Hour Care: For families seeking continuous support, we offer live-in and around-the-clock care, ensuring that a compassionate caregiver is always present to meet your loved one’s needs.

Contact Assisting Hands Home Care for Effective Home Care for PSP Patients

If your loved one is living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and needs support at home, Assisting Hands Home Care provides tailored In-home care services for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy designed to meet their unique needs. We start with a complimentary in-home consultation to evaluate your loved one’s condition and care requirements and develop a personalized care plan that promotes safety, independence, and quality of life.