Zolpidem in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Abstract

To the Editor: Progressive supranuclear palsy is an atypical Parkinsonian syndrome characterized by motor symptoms (voluntary-eye-movement abnormalities, akinesia, rigidity, postural instability, dysarthria, and dysphagia), personality changes, and cognitive impairment. It is refractory to pharmacologic treatment. Since reduced neurotransmission of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the striatum and globus pallidus could contribute to the symptoms of progres-sive supranuclear palsy, drugs that act specifically on the GABAergic systems in the basal ganglia might be helpful in the disorder.1 Zolpidem, a short-acting hypnotic drug, can improve motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.2 This GABAergic drug is a selective agonist of the benzodiazepine subtype . . .