Symptoms of Corticobasal Degeneration
Symptoms of corticobasal degeneration can vary widely among individuals and tend to progress gradually. Early signs are often subtle and may be mistaken for other neurological disorders. As corticobasal degeneration advances, signs typically become more pronounced and disabling, affecting both physical movement and cognitive function.
Motor Symptoms | Symptoms of Corticobasal Degeneration
One of the earliest and most distinctive symptoms is asymmetrical motor dysfunction, where one side of the body becomes noticeably weaker or stiffer than the other. Common motor symptoms include:
Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
Tremors or involuntary shaking
Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
Poor coordination or clumsiness
Dystonia, involving abnormal postures or muscle contractions
Apraxia, the inability to perform learned movements despite having the desire and physical ability
Individuals may struggle with simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or using cutlery, even when muscle strength appears normal. These problems are often misdiagnosed as functional or psychiatric issues in the early stages.
Cognitive and Behavioural Symptoms
As the disease progresses, cognitive decline becomes more apparent. Symptoms include:
Memory loss
Difficulty planning or organising
Impaired judgement
Language difficulties, such as hesitant speech or difficulty finding words
Irritability, apathy, or depression
Behavioural changes may resemble those seen in frontotemporal dementia, particularly in the late stages.
Speech and Swallowing
Difficulties with speech (dysarthria) and swallowing (dysphagia) can also emerge, leading to nutritional issues and increased risk of choking. Voice may become soft, slurred, or monotone.
Sensory Disturbances | Symptoms of Corticobasal Degeneration
Some people experience numbness or the feeling of a “foreign limb,” where the affected limb feels disconnected or acts involuntarily—a phenomenon called alien limb syndrome.
In conclusion, symptoms of corticobasal degeneration are diverse and evolve over time, typically affecting movement first and cognition later. The combination of motor and mental symptoms often makes daily life increasingly challenging, requiring a comprehensive care approach.
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