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. 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. 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. 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. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=corticobasal+degeneration+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]+AND+(review[ptyp]+OR+review+literature[mh]+OR+practice+guideline[ptyp]+OR+guideline[ptyp]+OR+clinical+trials[mh]+OR+clinical+trial[ptyp]+OR+consumerj[sb])&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=5+Years 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/corticobasal_degeneration/pubs_corticobasal_degeneration.htm /disorders/corticobasal_degeneration/xml_corticobasal_degeneration.xml xml_corticobasal_degeneration.xml V91 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

55 Kenosia Avenue

Danbury CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) 203-798-2291 Federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. Committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. V85 WE MOVE (Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders)

5731 Mosholu Avenue

Bronx NY 10024 wemove@wemove.org http://www.wemove.org 347-843-6132 718-601-5112 WE MOVE provides movement disorder information and educational materials to physicians, patients, the media, and the public. V198 CUREPSP (Foundation for PSP|CBD and Related Brain Diseases)

30 E. Padonia Road, Ste. 201

Timonium MD 21093 info@curepsp.org http://www.curepsp.org 410-785-7004 800-457-4777 410-785-7009 A nonprofit voluntary health organization whose mission is to increase awareness of progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration and related brain diseases (including atypical parkinsonisms); fund research toward cure and prevention; educate healthcare professionals; and provide support, information and hope for affected persons and their families.