Corticobasal Degeneration
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What is Corticobasal Degeneration?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsWhat is Corticobasal Degeneration?
Corticobasal degeneration is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by nerve cell loss and atrophy (shrinkage) of multiple areas of the brain including the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia. Corticobasal degeneration
progresses gradually. Initial symptoms, which typically begin at or around age 60, may first appear on one side of the body
(unilateral), but eventually affect both sides as the disease progresses. Symptoms are similar to those found in Parkinson
disease, such as poor coordination, akinesia (an absence of movements), rigidity (a resistance to imposed movement), disequilibrium (impaired balance); and limb dystonia (abnormal muscle postures). Other symptoms such as cognitive and visual-spatial impairments, apraxia (loss of the ability
to make familiar, purposeful movements), hesitant and halting speech, myoclonus (muscular jerks), and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) may also occur. An individual with corticobasal degeneration eventually becomes unable to walk.
Is there any treatment?
There is no treatment available to slow the course of corticobasal degeneration, and the symptoms of the disease are generally
resistant to therapy. Drugs used to treat Parkinson disease-type symptoms do not produce any significant or sustained improvement.
Clonazepam may help the myoclonus. Occupational, physical, and speech therapy can help in managing disability.
What is the prognosis?
Corticobasal degeneration usually progresses slowly over the course of 6 to 8 years. Death is generally caused by pneumonia
or other complications of severe debility such as sepsis or pulmonary embolism.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports and conducts research studies on degenerative disorders such as corticobasal degeneration. The goals of
these studies are to increase scientific understanding of these disorders and to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure them.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
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on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
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Last updated July 09, 2007
