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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how art therapy can help people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a brain disorder affecting movement, balance, and eye movements. The goal is to determine if art therapy can ease symptoms, improve daily life, and reduce stress for both patients and their caregivers. Individuals diagnosed with PSP who can understand and consent to participate might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for PSP patients.

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.

What prior data suggests that art therapy is safe for people with PSP?

Research has shown that art therapy is generally safe for people. Although few studies focus specifically on art therapy for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), art therapy itself is non-invasive and usually well-tolerated. This therapy uses creative activities to boost mood and improve quality of life. Since it doesn't involve medication, it typically has no physical side effects. However, it can sometimes evoke strong emotions, which may be challenging but not harmful. Overall, art therapy is considered a safe option for enhancing well-being while managing PSP symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which often involve medication to manage symptoms like muscle stiffness and movement issues, art therapy offers a non-pharmacological approach. Researchers are excited about art therapy because it focuses on enhancing the quality of life through creative expression, which can improve emotional well-being and cognitive function. This method provides a unique way to engage patients, potentially alleviating some symptoms without the side effects associated with drugs.

What evidence suggests that art therapy might be an effective treatment for PSP?

Research has shown that art therapy, which participants in this trial will receive, can help individuals with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) by enhancing their perception and understanding. This improvement can boost self-esteem and enhance quality of life. Additionally, art therapy reduces stress for both patients and their caregivers. Although it is not a cure for PSP, it can ease living with the condition. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06588673?term=NAME

Art Therapy in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Thus, a decline in self-esteem, a reduction in the quality of life, and heightened stress for caregivers is remarkable. In recent years, art therapy has ...

2. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT06588673/art-therapy-in-progressive-supranuclear-palsy

Art Therapy in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Although art therapy has demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing visual cognitive skills, refining visual exploration strategies, and ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-supranuclear-palsy-progressive-9-2024-de49d

Art Therapy for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy 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 ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11263316/

Pharmacotherapies for the Treatment of Progressive ... PSP is universally fatal, and effective disease-modifying therapies for PSP have not yet been identified. Several tau-targeting treatment modalities, including ...

5. cdn.bcm.edu cdn.bcm.edu/healthcare/clinical-trials/h-54410

Art Therapy in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: Studying ... This study does not involve treatment. The purpose of this study is to gather information from completion of an art therapy program and ...

6. pspawareness.com pspawareness.com/blogs/psp-q-a/active-neurodegenerative-disease-clinical-trials-psp-msa-dlb-cbs-parkinsonian-syndromes?srsltid=AfmBOordKMLy2-08HaSVlEDgsj_N5FA6koqq2V0m3KBF_jrdEbZ9Q5vF

Active Neurodegenerative Disease Clinical Trials (PSP, MSA ... Purpose: To assess whether structured art therapy improves quality of life, mood, and cognitive engagement in PSP patients. Intervention: Non- ...

7. physio-pedia.com physio-pedia.com/Progressive_Supranuclear_Palsy

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy The average duration for PSP patient is about 6–8 years. The most important predictors of short survival are the PSP classical variant, early presence of falls, ...