A six-year study involving 3,885 participants found no significant changes in memory function among overweight and obese individuals. In contrast, those who were underweight experienced more cognitive decline over time. The study suggests that being overweight or obese in old age may not be a risk factor for memory problems.
Researchers analyzed genes of 278 people with Parkinson's disease and found a higher prevalence of mutations in the GBA gene among those diagnosed before age 50. The study suggests that Jewish ancestry may be an important risk factor for younger-onset Parkinson's disease due to the increased presence of GBA gene mutations in this group.
A study published in Neurology found that people with multiple sclerosis who stop taking natalizumab may develop more brain lesions, indicating increased disease activity. The results suggest that discontinuing the drug can lead to a rebound increase in disease activity, particularly for those who take it for a short time.
A Mediterranean diet was found to reduce mortality in Alzheimer's patients by an average of 1.3 years for moderate adherence and four years for strict following. The study followed 192 people with Alzheimer's disease in New York for an average of four and a half years.
Women with migraine who suffered childhood abuse were more likely to experience depression than those without abuse. The study found a significant association between childhood abuse and depression in women with migraine, suggesting that neurobiological systems may be altered by adverse experiences.
A recent study published in Neurology found that smokers are 50% more likely to develop dementia than nonsmokers or past smokers. The study suggests that smoking increases the risk of dementia through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, which can damage cells in blood vessels and lead to hardening of the arteries.
Research suggests that removing ovaries before menopause may lead to increased risks of cognitive decline and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Women who underwent surgery at a younger age were found to be more likely to develop dementia and Parkinsonism.
A new nasal spray treatment has been shown to be safe and effective in rapidly treating cluster headaches, considered the most painful type of headache. The study involved 52 people with cluster headaches who used zolmitriptan nasal spray or placebo to treat 151 separate attacks.
Researchers found that statin treatment may curb Alzheimer's brain changes, with a study comparing brain scans of people who took statins to those who did not. The study, published in Neurology, included 110 Group Health members aged 65-79 and provided the first direct evidence of statin's potential protective effect on the brain.
A study found that women with dementia start losing weight up to 20 years before diagnosis, due to reduced appetite and motivation. Men with dementia do not experience significant weight loss in the years leading up to diagnosis.
Research found 90% of patients with multiple aura types had seizures originating from the non-dominant side of their brain. Epilepsy surgery was effective in stopping seizures in over half of study participants.
A new oral treatment, EN101 antisense, has been shown to significantly reduce muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. The study found that patients experienced improved muscle function, swallowing time, and disappearance of symptoms such as drooping eyelids.
A study found that 21% of patients taking verapamil for cluster headaches experienced irregular heartbeats, while 37% had slower than normal heart rates. Close monitoring with electrocardiograms is recommended to mitigate potential heart problems.
A study published in Neurology found that women who drank more than three cups of coffee per day had less decline in memory over time. The benefits increased with age, with coffee drinkers being 30-70% less likely to experience memory decline.
A study published in Neurology found that reading ability is a protective factor against the negative effects of lead exposure on the brain. Workers with higher reading levels showed less cognitive decline compared to those with lower reading abilities.
A six-month study found that a medication initially used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease improved memory and global function in people with severe Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive tests showed stabilization or improvement in 63% of participants taking the drug compared to 39% on placebo.
A study published in Neurology found that people who spent more time in the sun as children may have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The study involved 79 pairs of identical twins and found that the twin with MS spent less time in the sun as a child, leading to a reduced risk of 25-57% depending on the activity.
People with writer's cramp have reduced grey matter in specific brain regions, including the cerebellum and sensorimotor cortex. The study suggests that these changes may be a result of sustained repetitive movement, or an adaptation to the condition.
A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that older women experiencing memory loss are more likely to have sleep disturbances. The nearly 25% of women who experienced cognitive decline were twice as likely to experience sleep disturbances as those without memory problems.
Researchers identified risk factors for hallucinations, sleepiness and swelling in people with early Parkinson's disease, including being male, having multiple health problems and taking certain medications. The study found nearly half of participants developed swelling within four years of treatment.
Researchers found antibody levels in African American MS patients were 29% higher than Caucasians, linked to increased disability and shorter disease duration. Genetic background differences may contribute to this disparity.
A recent study published in Neurology found that teenagers from low-income households are more likely to suffer from migraine compared to those from upper-income families. The study surveyed over 18,700 adolescents and their parents, revealing a significant association between socioeconomic status and migraine prevalence.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that older adults with high levels of cognitive activity were 2.6 times less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Frequent cognitive stimulation during old age was associated with reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and slower decline in cognitive function.
A large Canadian family study found that both fathers and mothers with multiple sclerosis equally transmitted the genetic risk of the disease to their children. The study contradicts previous findings suggesting men may be more likely to pass on the risk, contradicting the Carter effect.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that more women than men experience a mid-life stroke between the ages of 45-54. The researchers identified increased waist size and coronary artery disease as predictors of stroke among women in this age group, with no sex differences observed in other age groups.
A study published in Neurology found that moderate strengthening exercises can slow the progression of ALS by 12%, maintaining function and quality of life. The research suggests individualized rehabilitation programs can help people with ALS maintain independence for longer.
Research suggests that people with high levels of inflammation in their blood are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study of over 600 participants found that those with elevated cytokines were nearly twice as likely to develop the disease.
The American Academy of Neurology has published a new guideline for treating Lyme disease affecting the nervous system, finding conventional antibiotic courses highly effective. Prolonged antibiotic treatment does not improve outcomes for patients with persistent symptoms after standard therapy.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that consuming up to one drink a day can slow the development of dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The participants, aged 65-84, who consumed wine had an 85% slower rate of progression compared to those who never drank.
A study published in Neurology found that middle-aged individuals with a history of migraine and other headaches are more likely to develop retinopathy, which can lead to severe vision problems or blindness. The association was strongest among those with migraine headaches and aura.
A study published in Neurology found that brain scans of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show increased uptake of PIB, a biomarker for abnormal protein aggregation growth, similar to what is seen in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may be possible through imaging tests.
A study published in Neurology found that daily steroid treatments increased the walking time of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by 3.3 years and reduced the incidence of scoliosis. However, treatment was associated with a higher risk of vertebral and leg fractures.
Research reveals children from low-income families experience 25% more sleeping problems than middle-class peers, impacting their health and academic success. The study, led by Anuj Chawla, highlights the need for further investigation into this issue.
Research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's meeting found that women using estrogen hormone therapy before age 65 had a nearly 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The study followed over 7,000 healthy women aged 65-79 for an average of five years.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as atorvastatin, reduced the risk of stroke by 4% for every 10% decrease in LDL 'bad' cholesterol. The study also showed a 7% reduction in heart attack risk. Participants with higher HDL 'good' cholesterol levels had an added protection against str...
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that teens with migraine headaches are at a higher risk of suicide and more likely to experience other psychiatric disorders such as depression and panic disorder. The research highlights the importance of screening for psychiatric disorders in teens with chronic daily headaches.
The International Pediatric MS Study Group has published a supplement on pediatric MS research and care, highlighting the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment. The study group aims to improve understanding of MS in children and adolescents, and its management, with the goal of enhancing international collaborative research.
Researchers found brain structure changes in people who developed dementia or Alzheimer's disease up to four years before memory loss began. Those destined for MCI had lower cognitive test scores at the start of the study, even within normal ranges.
Researchers found that natalizumab significantly reduces vision loss and likelihood of sustained vision loss in patients with relapsing MS. The drug's potential benefits must be weighed against its risks, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
A study published in Neurology found that retigabine, a new epilepsy drug with a unique mechanism of action, is both safe and effective. In the study, participants who received the highest dose of retigabine experienced an average reduction of 35% in seizure frequency compared to those receiving a placebo.
A study published in Neurology found that blood pressure rates during periodic leg movements rose significantly in people with untreated RLS, increasing cardiovascular risk. The study also showed that age and disease history are key factors contributing to these increased blood pressure changes.
Researchers found that taking the prolonged release version of ropinirole with levodopa significantly reduced daily 'off' time by 2.1 hours compared to the placebo group. Additionally, those taking ropinirole showed improvements in troublesome Parkinson symptoms, quality of life, and motor function.
A two-year study found that the drug risedronate reduced hip fractures in people with Parkinson disease by three times compared to placebo. Risedronate also increased bone mineral density and decreased biomarkers for bone loss, effectively controlling osteoporosis progression.
A study published in Neurology found that family caregivers of people with ALS experienced significant increases in depression and feeling burdened over nine months, while those with the disease showed little change. This highlights the need for interventions to enhance communication between patients and caregivers.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that men are more likely than women to achieve functional independence after receiving clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) following a stroke. The study found that despite lower survival rates, men had better outcomes at three months post-treatment.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that weight loss surgery can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency, resulting in memory loss, confusion, and other neurological problems. The syndrome, known as Wernicke encephalopathy, affects the brain and nervous system when the body lacks sufficient thiamine.
Epidural steroid injections provide small but temporary pain relief for lower back pain radiating down a leg. Long-term pain relief beyond three months is not guaranteed.
Researchers found that tooth-brushing can induce seizures in individuals with epilepsy, possibly linked to lesions in the somatosensory area of the brain. The study suggests a potential link between rhythmic stimuli and seizure activity.
A study of 1,040 stroke patients found that 27% had cholesterol levels higher than recommended by national guidelines. Despite this, only 7% were at their ideal level for preventing future strokes and heart disease, emphasizing the importance of regular testing and treatment.
A large study of over 27,000 women found that those with high cholesterol were more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to healthy women with lower cholesterol levels. The research suggests that avoiding unfavorable cholesterol levels may help prevent stroke.
A study analyzed provider-reported events and errors in stroke patients, finding 12% experienced an adverse event and 86 were preventable. The hospital implemented new procedures to improve patient safety, including check sheets and safer medication delivery.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with 'benign MS' for 10 years are at risk of disease progression after 20 years. After 20 years, nearly half of those with benign MS had progressed to a point where they needed a cane to walk.
A study published in Neurology found that smoking marijuana reduced nerve pain in people with HIV-associated sensory neuropathy by 34%, compared to 17% for those who received a placebo. The study also showed significant relief from chronic pain, with an average reduction of 72%.
A review of nearly 500 articles found nearly one in 1,000 people have multiple sclerosis (MS) and 67 out of 1,000 elderly Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. The study also reported a 50% drop in traumatic brain injuries and updated rates for stroke, Parkinson's disease, and childhood disorders like autism and cerebral palsy.
Researchers found that epilepsy patients can reliably predict when they are likely to have a seizure, with 32% accuracy. Accurate predictions also indicate reduced risk of seizures, providing reassurance and improved quality of life for those with epilepsy.
Researchers found that some dogs are responding to seizures caused by psychological conditions, rather than epilepsy. People with psychogenic seizures need psychiatric evaluation and treatment, not specialized training for epileptic seizures.
A new study found a significant drop in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for inappropriate reasons. The study, published in Neurology, credits the decline to randomized controlled trials that clarified the surgery's proper use.
A recent study published in Neurology found that patients undergoing combined heart bypass surgery and carotid endarterectomy experience a 38% higher chance of death or postoperative stroke compared to those who undergo coronary artery bypass surgery alone. The study suggests that the combined procedure may not provide additional benef...
Primary Progressive Aphasia is a mysterious neurological disease that affects speech and language abilities, with researchers discovering a genetic cause in a progranulin gene mutation. The study found the mutation in two unrelated families, providing a molecular approach to understanding the causes of the disease.
A study of 1032 women with chronic headaches found that those with migraines were four times more likely to report major depression symptoms. Chronic headache sufferers also experienced high levels of pain-related symptoms, including low energy and trouble sleeping.