Stage 2: The Unveiling of PSP
Progressing to the second stage, the symptoms of PSP become more conspicuous and start to interfere noticeably with the individual’s daily life. It’s during this stage that the correct diagnosis of PSP often occurs.
In the second stage, cognitive changes become more pronounced. The individual might find it increasingly challenging to keep up with complex tasks or may start to struggle with decision making. They might also show signs of impulsivity or poor judgment.
Motor symptoms evolve and intensify during this stage. The individual’s movements might become significantly slower, and they might need assistance to perform daily tasks. The difficulty in maintaining balance continues to increase, leading to more frequent falls.
Speech and swallowing issues begin to manifest in this stage. The individual might have slurred speech or may speak in a low volume. Difficulty in swallowing, known as dysphagia, also becomes evident, leading to complications like choking or aspiration.
The difficulty in eye movement, especially the downward gaze, becomes more noticeable. The individual might have trouble reading, navigating steps, or performing tasks that require focusing on objects below eye level. (2)
