Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in India: Past, Present, and Future

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a significant neurodegenerative disorder with growing research interest globally, particularly in India.
• Decades of Indian research have contributed to understanding PSP, with over 80 publications since 1974.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the landscape of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) research conducted in India.
• To analyze historical research trends and highlight current initiatives and future directions for PSP management in the region.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of Indian research publications on PSP from 1974 to 2023.
• Analysis of study themes, methodologies, phenotypes (predominantly PSP-Richardson's syndrome), and patient demographics.
• Identification of the shift towards collaborative, multicentric research models, exemplified by the PAn India Registry for PSP (PAIR-PSP) project.

Main Results:

• Historical research predominantly involved single-center studies with varied recruitment numbers.
• PSP-Richardson's syndrome is the most common phenotype observed, with patients typically diagnosed around age 64.
• A recent trend shows a move towards large-scale, multicentric, and pan-India collaborative projects.

Conclusions:

• Indian research on PSP has transitioned from isolated efforts to coordinated, nationwide initiatives.
• There is a critical need for further research into genetic factors, risk identification, and the development of effective treatments and preventive strategies for PSP.
• India's large population positions it to make pivotal contributions to understanding PSP and other tauopathies.