Bases for the care of elderly patients with Progressive Supra-Nuclear Palsy

Abstract

Chronic-degenerative diseases affect significant proportion of elderly, constituting important public health problem considering the population aging all over the world. In particular, those who bring limitations and functional inabilities are the most compromise the quality of life, in particular, when they cause dependence for activities of daily life. With advancement of science, some these diseases are recent discoveries, bringing to professionals doubts as to their management. Progressive supra-nuclear palsy (PSP) is one of them and is the object of study of this actualization article, whose objective was to describe the PSP, as well as some aspects that give basis for care of elderly individuals with this pathology. The text brings initially information on the history of the disease, its prevalence, the etiology, diagnosis and clinical characteristics. Then discusses the need for an multidisciplinary approach in the monitoring of PSP bearer, as well as explores some questions related to cares that should be driven the family. Considering the rare nature of the disease, is evident need for health professionals are aware of the signs of installation of the disease to early diagnosis and monitoring initiated as quickly as possible, avoiding irreversible damage, particularly in relation to falls and aspiration.