Progressive neuropsychological and extrapyramidal deterioration resembling progressive supranuclear palsy: is aphasia relevant for correct diagnosis?

We describe the case of a woman presenting with a clinical syndrome closely resembling progressive supranuclear palsy, who also showed some progressive neuropsychological defects (aphasia and apraxia) not consistent with a simple loss of timing and activation as is generally postulated in this pathology. The case is discussed with regard to the definition of subcortical dementia and the possible alternative diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration.