Corticobasal Degeneration

Corticobasal Degeneration

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Currently, there are no known treatments to slow the progress of corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Instead, individual symptoms are targeted with specific medications. For example, rigidity and difficulty walking may partially respond to treatments for Parkinson's disease. Dystonia and myoclonus may respond to muscle relaxants or anti-seizure medications. Memory and behavior problems may respond to treatments for Alzheimer's disease or depression.

Physical therapy is important for maintaining a patient's range of motion. This may prevent pain and contraction or the shortening of muscles as well as help maintain mobility. Occupational therapy may be used to design equipment that supports the activities of daily living and maintains functional independence. Speech therapy may be recommended to improve articulation and volume of the voice.

There have been significant advances in the understanding of CBD during the past decade and the UCSF Memory and Aging Center is actively involved in research to better understand the cause and course of the disease. As a result, counseling, support and treatments of the symptoms now are available.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007