How Neuropalliative Care Can Support You and Your Family

Feb 03, 2026 Courtney Malburg

You may have heard the phrase “palliative care” when talking to healthcare professionals or others dealing with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) or multiple system atrophy (MSA).

For many people, palliative care can feel vague and confusing, and it doesn’t help that it’s often mistaken for hospice care. Because of this, people often think that accepting palliative care means “giving up” or that it’s only for the end of life.

In reality, palliative care is about supporting quality of life, now and as the condition progresses.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a person-centered approach focused on easing the physical, emotional and social challenges that come with serious and chronic conditions. Importantly, it supports not only the person with the condition, but also their loved ones and care partners.

Historically, palliative care has been more common in fields like oncology. Over time, though, providers in neurology have recognized that people living with neurological conditions have their own complex and evolving needs. So, the field of neuropalliative care was born.

What is neuropalliative care?

Neuropalliative care applies the principles of palliative care to better meet the unique care needs of people living with serious neurological conditions, like PSP, CBD and MSA.

While many people with PSP, CBD and MSA can benefit from general palliative care, neuropalliative care is designed to meet the complex needs of those with neurological diseases, such as issues with speech, swallowing, mobility and cognition. It also places a strong emphasis on planning ahead to help people and families make informed decisions before new challenges arise.

How do I access neuropalliative care?

Palliative and neuropalliative care services may be offered in a hospital, through an outpatient clinic or at home. However, not every community has a dedicated palliative care team available, especially one with neurological expertise.

If specialized services aren’t available where you live, it’s still possible to build care that reflects the goals of neuropalliative care. This may include:

  • Working with specialists who can address your specific needs, such as urologists, nutritionists or dietitians, podiatrists or pain specialists
  • Talking with a social worker about your values, priorities, and wishes for the future
  • Educating providers about your diagnosis and needs, if they are unfamiliar; sharing the resources on CurePSP’s “Resources for Healthcare Professionals” webpage can help
  • Asking your neurologist about incorporating palliative care approaches into your ongoing care

CurePSP also offers resources that can help you coordinate person-centered care that emphasizes quality of life, symptom management and comfort:

At the end of the day, the care you receive should fit your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team about options that support your goals and help you live the best life possible.

CurePSP is Here for You

For any questions about your diagnosis or other available resources and programs, email us at info@curepsp.org.

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