Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Podcast · Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy

DD SIG Navigating the Path Episode 7: CurePSP

January 29, 2026·35 min·1 clip

This episode features Ken Bonacco, a physical therapist from Brown University, interviewing Jessica Shurer, Director of Clinical Affairs at CurePSP. Shurer is a clinical social worker with over a decade of experience specializing in atypical Parkinsonian conditions at UNC Chapel Hill. The conversation focuses on CurePSP's mission to support individuals with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). These diseases progress about three times faster than Parkinson's disease, with an average lifespan of seven to eight years from symptom onset. Shurer states it takes two and a half to three years on average to get a correct diagnosis, and about 60% of people are initially misdiagnosed with Parkinson's. She explains that physical therapists are crucial for early detection because they see patients more frequently than neurologists and can spot inconsistencies. Key diagnostic clues therapists might notice include specific postural instability like retropulsion in PSP, ataxia in MSA, or poor performance on dual-tasking assessments. CurePSP runs a network of 38 Centers of Care and partners with organizations like the Parkinson's Foundation to offer free, accredited continuing education for clinicians. A surprising insight is that patients with PSP often score 100% confidence on the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale for challenging tasks like walking on ice, which reflects a common lack of insight. Shurer emphasizes that while Parkinson's medications are often used, the response is typically less robust and can be a diagnostic red flag. She details extensive free resources, including over 15 virtual, diagnosis-specific support groups and a Quality of Life Respite Grant providing 100 hours of in-home care. The organization also offers free educational booklets and wallet cards for clinics and is updating a practical guide for rehabilitation therapists. The tone is educational and conversational, blending clinical statistics with practical advice for healthcare providers. The hosts share a friendly rapport, evidenced by a lighthearted blooper about a cactus injury. This episode is ideal for neurologic physical therapists, occupational therapists, or any clinician treating movement disorders who wants to improve early identification and management of atypical Parkinsonian conditions. Listeners seeking a broad overview of neurodegenerative diseases without a specific focus on these rarer conditions might find it too specialized.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Podcast