Art Therapy for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Overseen By Amy E Brown, MD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Other neurological diagnosis, impaired cognition

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8-10 weeks

10 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Our aim is to study the effect of art therapy for people with PSP, with a focus on alleviating the symptoms associated with PSP, enhancing the overall quality of life for patients, and reducing caregiver stress. Overall, through our collaborative efforts on this study, we hope to unlock the benefits of art therapy for this vulnerable patient population, ultimately improving their overall well-being and enhancing their quality of life.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

How does art therapy differ from other treatments for progressive supranuclear palsy?

Art therapy is unique because it focuses on creative expression to improve emotional well-being and quality of life, rather than directly targeting the neurological symptoms of progressive supranuclear palsy. This approach is different from traditional treatments that often involve medications or physical therapies aimed at managing symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who have been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and are able to give informed consent. It aims to help those affected by PSP improve their quality of life and reduce caregiver stress.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy.

I understand the information given to me and can make decisions about my health care.

Exclusion Criteria

My primary neurological condition is not progressive supranuclear palsy.

I am unable to understand and give consent for treatment.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive art therapy to alleviate symptoms of PSP and improve quality of life

8-10 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Art Therapy

Trial Overview The study is exploring the effects of art therapy on patients with PSP. The goal is to see if engaging in art can alleviate symptoms, enhance life quality, and ease the burden on caregivers.

Participant Groups

Group I: Art Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

psp patients enrolled into study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

922

Recruited

939,000+

CurePSP

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

10+

Findings from Research

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a challenging neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symptoms like parkinsonism, postural instability, and executive dysfunction, primarily caused by abnormal tau protein aggregations in the brain.

Current treatment strategies focus on neurotransmitter replacement and palliative care, but there is limited experience with alternative therapies like deep brain stimulation; ongoing research into biological therapies and better understanding of PSP's causes may improve future management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current and future treatments in progressive supranuclear palsy. van Balken, I., Litvan, I.[2020]

There is currently no effective treatment for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), as most studies have shown negative outcomes and there are no randomized controlled trials to establish therapeutic standards.

The review highlights the ongoing challenges in developing effective therapies for PSP and suggests that future strategies may be needed to address this unmet medical need.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Toward future therapies in progressive supranuclear palsy. Burn, DJ., Warren, NM.[2005]

In a 10-day double-blind crossover trial involving 8 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy, treatment with physostigmine showed only marginal and inconsistent improvements in long-term memory, indicating limited cognitive benefits from cholinergic therapy.

There were no significant changes in motor scores during the trial, suggesting that physostigmine does not effectively improve motor function in these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physostigmine treatment of progressive supranuclear palsy. Litvan, I., Gomez, C., Atack, JR., et al.[2013]

In a study of two subjects with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, sleep EEG analysis revealed poorly organized sleep spindles and reduced REM sleep, indicating significant sleep disturbances associated with the condition.

Quantitative analysis showed fragmented sleep patterns, with increased stage 1 and stage 3 sleep and decreased stage 2 and REM sleep, highlighting the impact of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy on sleep quality.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Changes in sleep organization in two patients with progressive supranuclear palsy]. Mennuni, G., Vaccario, ML., Petrella, MA., et al.[2006]

The average age of diagnosis for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is 66 years, with common symptoms including falls and gait disorders, and neuroimaging typically shows fronto-temporal atrophy.

Despite treatment with L-Dopa, patients generally show a poor response to therapy, regardless of the dosage or duration of treatment, highlighting the challenges in managing PSP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Descriptive study of a serie of patients affected by progressive supranuclear palsy]. Villanueva-Haba, VE., Garcés, M., de Vera, A., et al.[2013]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current and future treatments in progressive supranuclear palsy. [2020]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Toward future therapies in progressive supranuclear palsy. [2005]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physostigmine treatment of progressive supranuclear palsy. [2013]

4. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Changes in sleep organization in two patients with progressive supranuclear palsy]. [2006]

5. Spain pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Descriptive study of a serie of patients affected by progressive supranuclear palsy]. [2013]