How can you treat progressive supranuclear palsy?

Not good: Not very much except for supportive care. Doesn't respond well to drugs used for other types of parkinson's.

Good Rx Available!!!: Dopamine meds for physical parkinsonism: Azilect (mao-b selective inhibitor) & sinemet +/- Comtan (stalevo (carbidopa and levodopa and entacapone) is both together). Tailor rx & watch for side effects. Avoid Dopamine agonists (requip xl/mirapex er/neupro)--too side effect prone for psp patients. For dementia: namenda, paired with Exelon patch or aricept. For psychosis: seroquel or clozaril. Remember, response is variable, but worthwhile.

The right doctor: I believe it is important to be seen by a movement disorders neurologist for this neurodegenerative disease. This is a very difficult disease to treat. A patient may need very high doses of levodopa. Oftentimes issues such as feeding tubes are at the fore. A specialist will have more experience dealing with this rare disease and may have other options (i.e. Clinical trials) available.