Art Therapy in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is typically manifested by a multitude of distressing symptoms, including bradyphrenia and bradykinesia, speech dyspraxia, visual problems, and postural instability with high risk of falls. These symptoms not only inflict physical hardships on patients but also have profound emotional and psychological implications. 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 garnered attention as a potentially effective intervention for individuals grappling with neurodegenerative disorders. Art therapy encompasses a wide array of activities that promote cognitive and motor skills, including shape recognition, motion perception, sensory-motor integration, abstraction, and eye-hand coordination. As a result, it holds promise as a therapeutic tool for addressing the intricate challenges faced by PSP people. Although art therapy has demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing visual cognitive skills, refining visual exploration strategies, and bolstering general motor function in Parkinson's disease, its potential in the context of PSP remains largely unexplored. Given the unique symptomatology and emotional toll of PSP, patients suffering from this condition stand to benefit significantly from the healing and therapeutic effects of art therapy. In light of these considerations, our proposal aims to bridge this knowledge gap by implementing and rigorously studying the impact of art therapy on PSP patients. Our aim is to investigate the effect of art therapy for people with PSP, with a focus on alleviating the symptoms associated with PSP, enhancing the overall quality of life for patients, and reducing caregiver stress. Overall, through our collaborative efforts on this study, we hope to unlock the benefits of art therapy for this vulnerable patient population, ultimately improving their overall well-being and enhancing their quality of life.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy
• Have the cognitive ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Primary neurological diagnosis other than progressive supranuclear palsy
• Cognition too impaired to provide informed consent