Atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, such as DLB, MSA, PSP, and CBD, present diagnostic and management hurdles due to their varied protein deposition and clinical features. DLB, characterized by synuclein deposition in neocortical neurons, initially shows dementia followed by Parkinsonism, while MSA, marked by synuclein deposition in oligodendrocytes, primarily affects autonomic function alongside Parkinsonism or cerebellar ataxia. PSP and CBD, tauopathies, exhibit distinct clinical features like supranuclear gaze palsy and asymmetrical Parkinsonism with apraxia, respectively.

These syndromes, categorized into synucleinopathies and tauopathies, exhibit diverse protein deposition patterns and clinical presentations, necessitating ongoing research for effective management. While symptomatic treatments provide partial relief, the lack of causal therapies emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in diagnosis and management. Molecular diagnosis and targeted therapies offer hope for improving outcomes in patients with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes.

Reference: Levin J, Kurz A, Arzberger T, Giese A, et al. The Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Atypical Parkinsonism. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016 Feb 5;113(5):61-9. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2016.0061. PMID: 26900156; PMCID: PMC4782269.