Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by nerve cell loss and brain atrophy, often associated with abnormal accumulations of the tau protein. It typically begins around age 60 and progresses over six to eight years. Initial symptoms may affect one side of the body but eventually impact both sides, and include poor coordination, rigidity, memory loss, dementia, speech difficulties, and involuntary muscle jerks. As the disease progresses, individuals may develop difficulty swallowing, leading to complications such as pneumonia or sepsis, which are common causes of death. Due to symptom overlap with other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Lewy body disease, CBD symptoms are now often referred to as “corticobasal syndrome.”

There is no cure for CBD, and treatment primarily focuses on symptom management. Medications like clonazepam may help with muscle jerks, and therapies such as occupational, physical, and speech therapy can assist in managing daily challenges. Ongoing research continues to explore the complexities of CBD and its overlapping symptoms with other neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Reference: Corticobasal Degeneration. Stanford Medicine. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/corticobasal-degeneration.html