title: Executive dysfunction is the primary cognitive impairment in progressive supranuclear palsy.
abstract: Cognitive difficulties appear to be a more prevalent clinical feature in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) than previously thought, and significant cognitive impairment is prevalent in a majority of patients PSP patients not considered clinically demented. The neurocognitive performance of 200 patients with PSP across multiple sites was examined with a variety of commonly used neuropsychological tests. Results indicate primary executive dysfunction (e.g., 74% impaired on the Frontal Assessment Battery, 55% impaired on Initiation/Perseveration subscale of the Dementia Rating Scale), with milder difficulties in memory, construction, and naming. These results have important clinical implications for providers following patients with PSP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences,  University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292  USA.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gerstenecker
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mast
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Duff
authors.forename: Tanis J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Ferman
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Litvan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013494:Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D014706:Verbal Learning