Progressive supranuclear palsy: an updated approach on diagnosis, treatment, risk factors and outlook in Mexico.

Abstract

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare, atypical parkinsonism, characterized by the presence of intracerebral tau protein aggregates and determined by a wide spectrum of clinical features. The definitive diagnosis is postmortem and is identified through the presence of neuronal death, gliosis, and aggregates of the tau protein presented in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (MNF) with a globose appearance in regions such as the subthalamic nucleus, the substantia nigra, and the globus pallidus The findings in ancillary imaging studies, as well as fluids biomarkers, are not sufficient to support diagnosis of PSP but are used to rule out similar pathologies because there are still no specific or validated biomarkers for this disease. The current treatment of PSP is focused on reducing symptoms, although emerging therapies seek to counteract its pathophysiological mechanisms. Cellular models constitute a good tool to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying them. Finally, PSP in Mexico has been little studied, and its diagnosis is often confused with Parkinson's disease, it has a great health and socio-economic impact on patients, their families, and caregivers, which is why it requires further investigation at both a basic and clinical level.