It is suspected to be a degenerative condition triggered by a viral infection. There are deposits in the tissues that resemble the deposits found in Alzheimer's disease . The disorder is most often seen in people over 60 years old, and is somewhat more common in men. It occurs in approximately 1 out of 100,000 people. Dementia is mild.
Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms.
There is no known cure for progressive supranuclear palsy. Levodopa and anticholinergic medications may provide temporary reduction of symptoms. These are not as effective as in Parkinson's disease . Treatment sometimes provides temporary reduction of symptoms, but the disorder inevitably progresses. There is a steady decline of brain function, with death commonly occurring in 5 to 7 years.