[Progressive supranuclear palsy: living environment of the patients in Germany].

The living environment of patients suffering from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) has attracted little interest so far. The aim of this study was to record environmental factors and patient care structures of PSP patients in Germany. In light of this aim 100 questionnaires consisting of 28 questions were distributed in the journal PSP-Rundschau (PSP Review) in February 2009. Up to August 2009, 69 completed questionnaires had been received for evaluation. The main results were a long period up to diagnosis (3.33 ± 2.5 years) and early clinical symptoms noted by many patients which could be used for the differential diagnosis between PSP and Parkinson's disease. In 87% of the cases the patients were cared for by relatives at home mostly without professional nursing home care.It is hoped that this investigation has shed more insight into the life and disease-related symptoms of patients with PSP and can provide valuable information for the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.