PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY

That this House notes that there are an estimated 10,000 people in the UK suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP); recognises that this number is likely to be much higher due to the large percentage of PSP cases which are misdiagnosed; understands that three out of four PSP cases are misdiagnosed resulting in patients being given medication that has exacerbated their condition; expresses concern about the lack of awareness amongst the medical profession about the disease and is disappointed at the lack of appropriate palliative care and support given to sufferers of PSP; applauds the work of the PSP Association who are an organisation dedicated to the support of people with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and those who care for them; and welcomes the forthcoming PSP Awareness Week starting on 4 April 2009 which aims to raise funding for research so that the possible causes of PSP are better understood and to find ways to achieve earlier and better diagnosis and to develop treatments that could potentially slow down, or even halt, the progression of this disease.