A UK charity, PSPA, has today released new funding for research looking into neurological conditions called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD). The charity has released £350,000 for research studies in the UK to help improve understanding of PSP & CBD. The charity is currently calling for applications for the funding, which will be allocated to five applicants. Four grants of up to £25,000 will be allocated and one grant of up to £250,000 will be allocated. Specifically, the funding aims to progress research into PSP & CBD to help establish early and accurate diagnosis, immediate treatment and consistent standards of care across the UK.

PSP & CBD are neurodegenerative conditions caused by an abnormal build up of a protein called tau in the brain. Over time, this leads to problems with balance, speech, vision, swallowing and mobility. Currently there are no treatments to slow the progression of the conditions, and no cure.

Motivated by the community of people the charity supports, PSPA has always prioritised research investment and innovation.

Following PSPA’s 30th Anniversary in 2024, and a generous donation from a supporter, the charity launched an appeal to help propel research into the conditions forwards.

The Understood Appeal aims to raise £2 million for research into PSP & CBD. So far, the charity has raised more than £650,000 and with heightened visibility around the appeal, they hope to raise a lot more this year.

Rebecca Packwood, PSPA CEO, explains: “There’s a long history of PSP & CBD being identified by clinicians and researchers, dating back to 1960. Although interest in the conditions and research over the past 30 years has aided our understanding, too much remains unknown about PSP & CBD.

“Diagnosis takes too long, there’s no treatment available to help slow the progression of the conditions, and standards of care can vary vastly, depending on where you live in the UK. We want this to change.

“Thanks to people who have kindly donated to our Understood Appeal, we have released an additional pot of funding for research into PSP & CBD this year. Our hopes are to invest more to learn more so we can improve the experiences people being diagnosed face.

“We call out to researchers and healthcare professionals, to get their thinking hats on, and apply for the funding to help unlock key elements of the condition, including diagnosis, treatments and care. And we turn to our supporters, not only to thank them for their generous support so far, but to encourage people to donate what they can to ensure we really can create a better future for everyone affected by PSP & CBD.”

More information about the new research funding can be found at www.pspassociation.org.uk/research/funding-opportunities-for-researchers/

Details of the Understood Appeal and how to donate, are available at  www.pspassociation.org.uk/research/understood/

About PSP and CBD                    

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) are two rare neurodegenerative diseases.

They are caused by the loss of neurons in certain parts of the brain. Over time, this leads to difficulties with balance, mobility, speech, vision, swallowing and cognition.

Both conditions are life limiting. There is no treatment and no cure.

Currently, around 60% of people living with either disease, are initially misdiagnosed with other conditions including Parkinson’s, stroke and depression.

PSPA is the only UK charity dedicated to creating a better future for every affected by PSP & CBD.

We will do this by:

• Providing information and support to enable families living with PSP & CBD to live their best possible lives

• Improving the quality of life for people living with the condition via research and awareness raising

• Putting the voice of the PSP & CBD community at the heart of what we do.

For more information please visit www.pspassociation.org.uk

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