Management of neurobehavioral changes in PSP

Progressive supranuclear paralysis (PSP) is an atypical parkinsonian disorder associated with oculomotor features, postural instability along with cognitive problems and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Usually, the treatment focuses on motor symptoms, however addressing behavioral and cognitive symptoms could have a significant impact on functionality and quality of life of patients and their relatives. In this session the attendees will learn how to use widely available tools for screening the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms and how to manage them, both with pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological interventions. Treatments discussed will include depression, apathy, anxiety, cognitive decline, and other common neuropsychiatric issues. Cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease are commonly managed with cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, although their efficacy in non-Alzheimer's dementias is limited. Behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms, including agitation, depression, and apathy, are frequently addressed using antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, despite the challenges of balancing efficacy with adverse effects. During this session, we will emphasize the importance of comprehensive assessment to better capture the multi-faceted neurobehavioral impairments seen in PSP patients.