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Therapy for progressive supranuclear palsy : past and future . Dysfunction of multiple brain systems in progressive supranuclear palsy ( PSP ) has complicated attempts to treat the disease . Neurotransmitter replacement strategies targeting the dopaminergic , cholinergic , and serotonergic systems have been unsuccessful . In order to bypass the degenerated cortico-striato-pallidal loop , we administered the adrenergic agonist idazoxan ( IDA ) to treat PSP in two randomized double-blind , placebo controlled , crossover studies . Approximately one half of patients enrolled in these studies showed statistically significant improvement in balance and manual dexterity while taking IDA compared to placebo . These results suggest that new therapies that target structures outside of the basal ganglia may be useful for symptomatic treatment of PSP . Applying this strategy and developing treatments that arrest or reverse clinical deterioration in PSP will require improved understanding of the process underlying the illness .
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Intervention_Physical
Neurotransmitter replacement strategies
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Intervention_Pharmacological
adrenergic agonist idazoxan ( IDA )
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Intervention_Control
placebo
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Intervention_Control
placebo
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Intervention_Pharmacological
therapies
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Outcome_Mental
statistically significant
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Outcome_Other
improvement in balance and manual dexterity
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Participant_Condition
progressive supranuclear palsy
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Participant_Condition
progressive supranuclear palsy