Research needed for Vertical and Horizontal Eye Movements Problems in PSP ; PSP Associations must act urgently

[PineEater]

People with PSP have eye movement problems with looking up and down. These develop in the beginning or later on as the disease progresses. Inability to focus the eyes makes them spill food. Eye movement problems may contribute to imbalance leading to falls as well. The PSP people also become disinterested in conversation because of lack of eye contact. The damage to eyes is located above the eye-moving centers ( nuclei) in the brainstem. A restricted range of vertical movement and vertical saccadic slowing are prominent in PSP. The slow vertical saccades that are a cardinal early feature of PSP, occur due to abnormalities in the brainstem neural network. Research has shown that the neurons in the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus get burst. Further, the inactivation of interstitial nucleus of Cajal that contributes to vertical gaze holding causes a restricted range of vertical eye movement without inducing slow saccades. Not only that , slowing of horizontal saccades is also observed as the disease progresses. That means the burst neurons in the parapontine reticular formation located in mesencephalic reticular formation are also affected.

So, if we already know these structures, the rostral interstial nucleus of the longitudinal fasciculus, interstial nucleus of Cajal and parapontine reticulus are involved in the vertical and horizontal gaze in PSP, why can't we focus our attention upon their bursting and inactivation? What changes occur in these nuclei and how do they occur leading to their inactivation? How can the inactivation be prevented?

Such structures are found in the brains of other primates like chimpanzees, monkeys etc. So, research can be done on these animals brains to find out the cures for the eye problems in PSP. But, the question is who will do that ? Time is running out. How many PSP human beings have succumbed to this horrible PSP so far? Countless! How many more will in times to come? The PSP associations themselves must come forward to do that. They must act quickly. I am sure the connections, interconnections to be uncovered in this research can even prove of paramount importance in discovering an overall cure for PSP itself.

[David750]

The PSP Association has via all media raised with all optomotrists, the potential for an earlier diagnosis of PSP/CBD through eye movement by issuing Red Flag bulletins explaining. Identifying symptoms they are asked to refer patient to their GP for further examination and referral onto a neurologist. I took these to each of the opticians in my local towns, as have other volunteers in their's.

[Blackandtan-123]

Well said PineEater I have been diagnosed with PSP approximately two years ago but I have had symptoms longer than that,and yes I can feel that there’s a change in my eyes,I thought it was part of getting older but I have a restrictions in looking up and down and I am having falls every day now ,I just wish that all of the symptoms that I’ve had over the last couple of years were not part of this horrible disease.

[Golden63]

I was diagnosed with PSP in 2021 after originally being diagnosed with Parkinsons some 2 years earlier . My eyesight is that i am blinking a lot more, to the point that i now close my eyes to ease this discomfort. My joy of reading has long gone as i am unable to focus for any period of time. I will be looking at audio books, at least then i can close my eyes and live in the story!