According to the NHS, PSP is caused by increasing numbers of brain cells becoming damaged over time and can cause problems with balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing.
There are only around 4,000 people with PSP living in the UK with most cases developing in people over the age of 60.
“Her courage and bravery tried in vain to fight the disease,” D’Auria wrote, according to the Star, noting that she donated her brain tissue to the Mayo Clinic for further research.
In the obituary, the architect described his wife as “a shy and private person, never desiring to be the center of attention or having the need for an audience.
“She saved those feelings and exhibited them only when on camera, and then she became electric.”