Hi kind folks.my wife is going through tes... - PSP Association
Hi kind folks.my wife is going through tests for cognitive problems..been told it may be PSP..what ARE early symptoms?
Sometimes depression/apathy, falling backwards is a big one and an early one, eye tracking difficulties. In my case I started having complicated vision problems during 2010 which ultimately required surgery on both eyes, while suffering from depression/apathy.
It's when I started falling backwards that raised a big red flag, led to a series of a lot of tests over the summer of 2012 that led to this diagnosis. I also had difficulty with tremors which can occur with PSP or not. Also, general cognitive issues leading to diagnoses of dementia without a source prior to being diagnosed with PSP. Imbalance and falling in general are symptoms too. I do know my Doc said it was the falling backwards that really caught his attention toward PSP.
Hope this helps. How old is your wife? I'm on the younger side of being diagnosed at age 53. I'm 55 now.
Judy
welcome back judy hang in there mate keep that smile on your face and my wife is 78 this nov but i think she looks about 60 peter jones queensland australia psp sufferer
What an adorable husband
And, you always put a smile on my face, Mr. Jones
hi judy that sounds better mate i hope you are feeling good now and full of life\\\ i woke up this morning thats good enough for me take care my friend peter jones queensland australia psp sufferer
im sorry garry but i never got your question up on my puter until now falling over mostly backwards sometimes speech slurring of words etc i think you will find nearly everyone is different but hang in there matey take care to mrs garry just wait until tests are over so do not worry about it now wait until the dust settles because worrying about it will get you nowhere just pushes your blood pressure up then their is something else to worry about\all the best
and you might be worrying for nothing peter jones queensland australia psp sufferer
I think the first sign was slower movement's ,small hand writing and missing step on step stool or ladder and then falling backwards, head tremors,finger rolling and zoning out.
Hi garryj
Sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis.
We did a good survey on first symptoms (with my follow up assessment and comments). In the search box top right, type in "First Symptoms" and you'll find the post. Hope it helps.
All the best
T.
Our neurologist at the University of Florida Neurological and Movement Disorders Clinic says early falls and/or balance issues are signs of PSP when coupled with eye movement issues. If diagnosed with Parkinson's, put on the medication Carbadopa/Levadopa and it DOESN'T work or is less affected than normal it is an indication you don't have Parkinson's. My wife started with a feeling of imbalance and a couple of unexplained falls. Get the best neurologist you can for a correct diagnosis. PSP is misdiagnosed MANY times as another disease or problem as was my wife.
Best wishes, jimbo
Hi Garry, I think most of the other replies covers most of it. My wife was diagnosed a few years ago after having a number uf unexplained falls. The Neurologist was certain it was FTD or PSP but after going to the Opto Neurologist the eye movement confirmed the PSP. Prior to the falling issues her attitude had changed somewhat, mostly apathy and on occassion some unexplained outbursts (comments) as well as unexplained laughter. We never linked that to any medical issue as her health didn't seem to be affected. In retrospect we now realize that was probably the onset of the early stages. Take care and take it a day at a time. Hopefully the diagnosis will indicate something else that may be treatable.
hi there It is all the above I lost my mum 5 years ago now at 55 years old she had it very very severe but you must see the good in everything the attitude change is a big thing I grow up with an irish mother Who never cursed and you would be very sorry if you did and she started lightly curseing and uncontrollably laughing about it but it is actually a happy memory ;;; But seriously this is so Rare well it is in ireland that I wouldnt worry
I STARTED WITH THE SMALL HAND WRITING WHICH I FIRST NOTICED IN 2007 THEN I HAD VERY SERIOS FALL DOWNSTAIRS - BACKWARDS - AND CRACKED A VERTIBRAE - IT WAS VERY DIFFCULT TO KNOW WHEB I STARTED TO GET WORSE BUT CERTAINKY NOTICED MYSELF FGETTING STFFER AND SLOWER WHEN E FIRST CAME TO FRANCE - I WAS DXD WITH PD IN JAN 2010 BUT AFTER TAJKING LOADS OF DRUGS - WAS FINA,Y DXD UIN NOVEMBER 2012 0- SO IT IS A YEAR SINCE I HAVE KNOWN - NOW I CANNNIOT WALK UNAIDED AND NEED TI BE DRESSED BY MY DARLING HUSBAND EACH DAY - SO BASICALY I CAN DO V LITTLE FOR MYSELF YIOU CAN TELL BY MY AWFUL TYPOS THAT I HAVE DIFFICULTY IN SEEING TOO
Hi Garry.
My mum's symptoms started with the gaze palsy - she seemed to be staring but didn't realise she was. Then she started falling backwards and her speech became slightly slurred. She seemed to be totally unconcerned when, whilst looking after my two year old nephew, he opened the front door of her house and wandered off down the road. She had always been laid back but that would have mortified her previously. Good luck with your wife's test and I hope your fears are unfounded.
Best wishes
Lizzie
hi garry, with my husband i first noticed his lack of swing in his arms when walking ,he lost his sense of humour ,his hand writing was nearly unreadable it became so small , he was almost at times vague ,his legs were heavy he would complain of heavy legs often ,he worked shift work but hardly ever slept .he bought at least three walking sticks ,now i know why . had been to a doctor but said every thing was ok but i guess he knew something was wrong . and it has been down hill ever since , or up hill. regards christine
