Study Goal:

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a cause of parkinsonism. Parkinsonism is a term that covers several signs or symptoms such as slow movement, rigidity and problems with walking. Many PSP symptoms are similar to those seen in Parkinson's but the disease is very different. People with PSP can often experience apathy (the lack of motivation, interest or enthusiasm) and impulsivity (tendency to act without thinking). Researchers have found that these two common symptoms of PSP are often experienced together. People with more apathy tend to experience more impulsivity and vice versa. These symptoms are associated with the severity of PSP.  Apathy and impulsivity may be caused by a lack of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This study looks to see if the drug, atomoxetine is safe and tolerated in people with PSP. It will also test whether atomoxetine can improve the symptoms of apathy and impulsivity in PSP.  Atomoxetine is a drug normally used to help with ADHD. It can increase levels of available noradrenaline in the brain.

What's Involved:

Participants will undergo screening tests to check their eligibility. All participants will be offered an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain scan, but this is not mandatory. Participants will be randomly put into two groups. Group 1 will take a placebo (fake sugar pill) first and then afterwards take the atomoxetine study drug. Group 2 will take the atomoxetine study drug first and then afterwards take the placebo (fake sugar pill). This means all participants will take the study drug at some point. Participants will take the study drug for 8 week and take the placebo for 8 weeks with a 2 week break in-between. Throughout the study, participants will be asked to completed questionnaires and assessments. 

Who Can Take Part?

• Eligibility criteria need to be discussed with a doctor, but some key criteria are: 

• Possible or probable PSP 

• Aged between 50 - 85 years

• Have a "research partner" able and willing to participate in questionnaires about symptoms and daily life

• On a stable dose of psycho-active medication

• Not pregnant 

• Not taking Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors  

• No history of heart problems