Transcript Document

Working for a world free of PSP & CBD
Registered charity numbers: England and Wales 1037087 / Scotland SC041199
What is CBD?
Cortico Basal Degeneration (CBD) is a degenerative brain
disease, affecting people from the age of 40 onwards.
•Cortico - affecting the brain cortex
•Basal - also affecting other parts of the brain such as the
basal ganglia
•Degeneration - death of nerve cells in the brain
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What Causes CBD?
CBD is associated with an over-production of a protein
called tau in certain areas of the brain. In CBD, it forms
into clumps – or neurofibrillary tangles – which are
believed to damage nerve cells.
Currently there has been no research into the
prevalence of CBD but we do know that it is much less
common than PSP.
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Signs and Symptoms
CBD often starts with progressive numbness and loss of
use of one hand.
There can also be jerking of the fingers, slowness and
awkwardness and the feeling of having an ‘alien limb’ –
with complex unintentional movements of one limb
causing problems with normal motor tasks.
Gradually the arm and/or leg on one side is affected and
then the arm and/or leg on the other.
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Signs and Symptoms - continued
People with CBD often have trouble controlling one hand
when doing everyday things such as writing or tying
shoelaces – tasks that involve individual muscle movements
we take for granted.
Eye movements can also be disturbed but these are
normally less debilitating than in PSP.
For more information on managing these symptoms visit the
Managing Symptoms page of our website
www.pspassociation.org.uk/getting-help
www.pspassociation.org.uk
Diagnosis
Like PSP, there are no simple tests or brain scans for
CBD which can help neurologists diagnose the condition.
CBD is often initially misdiagnosed as a stroke or
Parkinson’s disease.
The average life expectancy is around seven years from
onset. However, every case is different – there is
considerable variation in the symptoms and rate of
progression in individuals.
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Treatments and Therapies
At the moment there is no treatment to stop or slow the
progression of CBD. However, many symptoms can be
treated and there are many therapies that can help
manage symptoms.
People with CBD should see their neurologist and
palliative care team on a regular basis.
Hopefully, in the future, research will lead to new
treatments to stop or at least slow down the progression
of the condition.
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Contact Us
The PSP Association - Supporting those with PSP & CBD
telephone helpline: 0300 0110 122
email helpline: [email protected]
www.pspassociation.org.uk