Functional course of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, characterized by aggressive deterioration of white matter pathways throughout the subcortical brain parenchyma. This disease leads the patient to a total dependence in all activities of daily (ADLs) living in few months. The literature on rehabilitation of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is scanty and, at present, it is unknown whether rehabilitation may modify the course of disability in this disease. This paper describes the functional course of a patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy who incurred in a severe functional impairment of ADLs after an unintentional fall and prolonged bed rest. The multidisciplinary in-hospital rehabilitation program and integrated homecare approach allowed the patient to improve her functional capacities and go on with living at home.