Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s wife, Sita Dahal, had been suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) for the past 10 years. Her condition worsened after the month of Mangsir in 2074 BS.

Sita had been experiencing significant disturbances in her health since her departure from the world on Chait 13, 2070. It was during that time that she started showing symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease. However, due to her mental stability and overall happiness, she was advised by doctors to carry on without much concern.

Sita had been accompanied Prachanda in the Peoples war. However, on Mangsir 3, 2074, Prachanda-Sita faced another tragedy. While peacefully resting at home in Lazimpat, their elder son, Prakash Dahal, suffered a heart attack and passed away. Following that incident, Sita became even more mentally disturbed and was in an unconscious state due to the impact of PSP for the next two years.

During that time, she was kept in a private room at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, along with a private nurse.

On Tuesday morning, when her breathing became irregular, she was taken to Norvic Hospital in Thapathali. At 8:33 am, the doctors declared her deceased.

How does PSP gradually incapacitate? Sita Dahal’s observed PSP disease is a complex condition similar to Parkinson’s disease seen in the elderly.

PSP is considered a rare disease that tends to afflict individuals over the age of 60, causing significant suffering, according to Dr. Sunil Koirala, Chief of Neurology Department and Neurologist at Bir Hospital.

This disease affects the balance of the body, causes trembling of the hands, slowness, and affects walking and speech, as informed by Dr. Koirala.

“Rarely seen around the world, this disease,” says Dr. Koirala. “Only one or two patients per year come to Bir Hospital. There is still no definitive cure for this incurable disease.”

Although PSP cannot be completely cured, Dr. Koirala mentions that the symptoms of the disease can be managed with medication, reducing their intensity.

While the body movements are controlled by the brain, this disease affects a specific part of the brain, resulting in the manifestation of PSP, causing significant disturbances in the body’s balance, decreased coordination, and memory loss, as mentioned by Dr. Koirala.

With increasing age, the problems escalate As the patient’s age increases, the disease progresses and presents various complications. According to him, PSP causes damage to the cells of the brain, leading to disturbances in bodily movements. However, he also states that medication does not completely resolve the issues.

About PSP

PSP stands for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, which is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain. It is characterized by the deterioration of certain brain cells over time, leading to difficulties with movement, balance, coordination, and other neurological functions. PSP is often referred to as a rare form of Parkinsonism, as it shares some similar symptoms with Parkinson’s disease.

PSP primarily affects the frontal and brainstem regions of the brain, causing a disruption in the normal functioning of these areas. This disruption leads to the formation of abnormal proteins in the brain cells, which further impairs their ability to transmit signals and carry out their functions effectively.

The specific cause of PSP is not yet fully understood, and researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. However, it is not considered a hereditary disease in most cases.

As for how PSP causes partial paralysis or partial disability, it is primarily due to the progressive nature of the disease and the gradual degeneration of brain cells. As the affected brain cells continue to deteriorate, the individual may experience difficulties with muscle control, coordination, and movement. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including stiffness, muscle weakness, difficulties with balance and walking, and eventually partial paralysis in some cases.

It’s important to note that the progression and severity of PSP can vary among individuals, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms or level of disability. Treatment approaches aim to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life, as there is currently no cure for PSP.