Corticobasal Degeneration: A Review

Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a rare neurodegenerative tauopathy characterized by progressive motor and cognitive dysfunction. This comprehensive review examines the clinical manifestations, neuropathology, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies for CBD. The disease presents with asymmetric motor symptoms, including rigidity, dystonia, myoclonus, and apraxia, often accompanied by cognitive impairments affecting executive function, language, and behavior. Neuropathologically, CBD is defined by 4-repeat tau protein accumulation in neurons and glial cells, producing characteristic lesions including astrocytic plaques and ballooned neurons. Diagnosis remains challenging due to significant clinical overlap with other tauopathies, particularly progressive supranuclear palsy, frontotemporal dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, no disease-modifying treatments exist; management focuses on symptomatic relief through multidisciplinary approaches, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. This review synthesizes current understanding of CBD pathophysiology and highlights the urgent need for improved diagnostic biomarkers and targeted therapeutic interventions.