Overview
Corticobasal degeneration (CBD), sometimes called corticobasal syndrome (CBS), is a rare and progressive brain disease that slowly damages specific areas of the brain — mainly the outer layer (cortex) and the basal ganglia, which are deep brain structures that help control movement. Over time, the brain cells in these areas break down and die, causing a wide range of problems with movement, thinking, and daily tasks. People with CBD often notice that one side of their body starts to feel stiff, clumsy, or hard to control. A very unusual symptom called 'alien limb' can occur, where a hand or arm seems to move on its own without the person meaning to move it. Balance problems, difficulty speaking, trouble swallowing, and memory or thinking changes are also common. Symptoms usually begin in a person's 60s or 70s and gradually get worse over time. There is currently no cure for CBD and no treatment that slows the disease down. Doctors focus on managing symptoms to keep people as comfortable and independent as possible for as long as possible. This includes physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and medications to ease stiffness, muscle spasms, or mood changes. Because CBD shares features with other brain diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose, and a specialist in movement disorders is usually needed.
Key symptoms:
Stiffness or rigidity in one arm or leg, often worse on one side of the bodyClumsiness or loss of coordination in one hand or armAlien limb phenomenon — a hand or arm that seems to move by itselfDifficulty with balance and frequent fallsSlow, slurred, or difficult-to-understand speechTrouble swallowingMuscle jerks or spasms (myoclonus)Difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirtMemory problems and difficulty thinking clearlyTrouble with planning or organizing tasksDifficulty reading or understanding languageDepression, anxiety, or personality changesEye movement problems, such as difficulty looking up or downFreezing — suddenly being unable to start or continue a movement
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Late onset
Begins later in life, typically after age 50
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventData sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration.
1 clinical trialare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How confident are you in the diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration, and what other conditions could explain my symptoms?,Should I have genetic testing, and what would the results mean for me and my family?,What therapies or medications do you recommend to manage my specific symptoms right now?,What changes in my symptoms should prompt me to contact you urgently or go to the emergency room?,What specialists should be part of my care team, and how often should I see them?,Are there any clinical trials for CBD that I might be eligible to join?,When should we start talking about future care planning, and what resources are available to help me and my family prepare?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration
What is OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration?
Corticobasal degeneration (CBD), sometimes called corticobasal syndrome (CBS), is a rare and progressive brain disease that slowly damages specific areas of the brain — mainly the outer layer (cortex) and the basal ganglia, which are deep brain structures that help control movement. Over time, the brain cells in these areas break down and die, causing a wide range of problems with movement, thinking, and daily tasks. People with CBD often notice that one side of their body starts to feel stiff, clumsy, or hard to control. A very unusual symptom called 'alien limb' can occur, where a hand or a
How is OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration inherited?
OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration is late onset. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration?
Yes — 1 recruiting clinical trial is currently listed for OBSOLETE: Corticobasal degeneration on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.