The affected brain cells are both neurons and glial cells. The neurons display neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which are clumps of tau protein, a normal part of a brain cell's internal structural skeleton. These tangles are often different from those seen in Alzheimer's disease, but may be structurally similar when they occur in the cerebral cortex. Their chemical composition is usually different, however, and is similar to that of tangles seen in corticobasal degeneration. Tufts of tau protein in astrocytes, or tufted astrocytes, are also considered diagnostic. Unlike globose NFTs, they may be more widespread in the cortex. Lewy bodies are seen in some cases, but whether this is a variant or an independent co-existing process is not clear, and in some cases,<unk>  can coexist with corticobasal degeneration, Parkinson's, and/or Alzheimer's disease, particularly with older patients. The principal areas of the brain affected are the: * basal ganglia, particularly the subthalamic nucleus, substantia nigra, and globus pallidus * brainstem, particularly the tectum (the portion of the midbrain where<unk> " eye movement resides), as well as dopaminergic nuclei. * cerebral cortex, particularly that of the frontal lobes and the limbic system (similarly to frontotemporal degeneration) * dentate nucleus of the cerebellum * spinal cord, particularly the area where some control of the bladder and bowel resides Some consider<unk> , corticobasal degeneration, and frontotemporal dementia to be variations of the same disease. Others consider them separate diseases.<unk>  has been shown occasionally to co-exist with Pick's disease.
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17
Multiple system atrophy
Corticobasal degeneration
Parkinson-plus syndrome
Parkinson's disease
Benign hereditary chorea
Alzheimer's disease