A study published in Neurology found that antiseizure drug use during pregnancy continues despite evidence of birth defect risks, with higher use among people with low resources. The safest drugs saw a 30% increase in exposure, while those with uncertain risks saw an increase over time.
A study published in Neurology found that Hispanic people have a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy than white people, despite adjusting for known health and lifestyle risk factors. Social factors such as food insecurity and lack of health insurance also increased the risk of neuropathy in Hispanic individuals.
Researchers found that people living in disadvantaged neighborhoods have higher levels of tau, a biomarker related to Alzheimer's disease, and YKL-40, a marker of brain inflammation. Neighborhood disadvantage was also linked to faster increases in inflammation measured by CRP.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has issued a position statement on emerging therapies for neurological conditions. The statement emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, shared decision making between patients and neurologists, and FDA review before taking a definitive position. This guidance aims to facilitate conv...
A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found that people with poor access to food, living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and lacking strong social support experienced worse outcomes after stroke. Despite these challenges, they had better survival rates, with 78% survival rate three months after stroke and 62% one year after.
A study found that individuals with short leukocyte telomere lengths are more likely to develop age-related brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. However, those with healthy lifestyle habits may modify the effects of shorter telomeres.
A new study published in Neurology found that personalized home-based aerobic exercise combined with coaching improves physical fitness in people with neuromuscular diseases. After 18 months, participants who received the exercise program showed a significant increase in oxygen levels and a 10% boost in physical fitness.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found no increase in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children whose mothers took triptan medications before or during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 pregnancies and followed the children for an average of eight years.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham have identified a key predictor of stroke risk among women: brain health scores. Women with higher McCance Brain Care Scores (BCS) had a reduced risk of experiencing a cerebrovascular event, with those with a five-point higher baseline score being 37% less likely to experience an event.
The AAN has issued an Evidence in Focus article on delandistrogene moxeparvovec, a gene therapy approved by the FDA for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The therapy may slow motor function decline but its long-term effectiveness and safety are still uncertain.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who experience a mini-stroke may suffer from prolonged fatigue lasting up to one year. Researchers discovered that previous anxiety or depression was twice as common in those participants who reported long-term fatigue.
A study published in Neurology found that eating more ultra processed foods may speed up early signs of Parkinson's disease. Participants who consumed over 11 servings of ultra-processed food per day had a higher likelihood of developing three or more early symptoms of the disease.
A study published in Neurology found that people with higher biological age than their chronological age are more likely to develop dementia. The researchers discovered an association between advanced biological age and changes in brain structures, including loss of gray matter volume.
A study published in Neurology found that metabolic syndrome is associated with a higher risk of young-onset dementia. Researchers identified nearly two million people between the ages of 40 and 60 who had a health check-up, and found that those with metabolic syndrome were more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease...
Natalia S. Rost, a Boston-based stroke neurologist, has been elected as the new president of the American Academy of Neurology. With over 25 years of involvement in the AAN, Rost is renowned for her expertise in vascular neurology and big-data science applications to personalized clinical outcome prediction in stroke.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that having a father with Alzheimer's disease may be associated with a greater spread of tau protein in the brain. Female participants also showed a heavier buildup of tau protein, highlighting potential vulnerabilities.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that heavy drinkers have an increased risk of brain lesions and signs of brain injury, including hyaline arteriolosclerosis and tau tangles. Heavy drinking was also associated with lower brain mass ratio and worse cognitive abilities.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology has found a nearly five-fold increase in U.S. hospitalizations for cervical artery dissection between 2005 and 2019. The study, which analyzed 125,102 hospitalizations, found that rates rose steadily year-over-year, with significant increases among certain racial groups.
A study published in Neurology found that people living in disadvantaged neighborhoods may be more likely to develop dementia. Researchers analyzed data from four communities in Chicago and found that those in the most disadvantageous tracts were over twice as likely to develop dementia as those in the least disadvantageous.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that increased daytime sleepiness in older women is associated with a double risk of developing dementia. The study tracked 733 female participants over five years and observed significant changes in sleep patterns, including declining nighttime sleep and increasing sl...
The American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, and Epilepsy Foundation of America have issued a consensus position statement on seizures and driving safety. The statement recommends that medical advisory boards conduct individualized risk assessments for people with seizures before allowing them to drive.
A study found that college athletes who experienced concussion showed persistent brain changes in scans even after being cleared to return to play and up to one year later. Brain function was also impaired, with reduced blood flow in the fronto-insular cortex.
A recent study found an association between chronic stress and an increased risk of stroke in younger women, but not men. The study, which looked at 426 participants aged 18-49 who experienced an ischemic stroke with no known cause, found that moderate stress levels were associated with a 78% increased risk of stroke.
A new blood test may help identify and monitor Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), according to a recent study published in Neurology. The test uses neurofilament light chain proteins to accurately diagnose ALS, with an accuracy rate of over 80%.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that smoking is a key factor in unexplained strokes among younger adults. Researchers discovered that heavy smokers had nearly four times the risk of stroke compared to non-smokers, with the highest risk seen in male participants and those aged 45-49.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that children with multiple sclerosis who had at least 30 minutes of daily summer sun in their first year of life were less likely to experience relapses. The study also showed that maternal sun exposure during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of MS relapse for offs...
A systematic review by the American Academy of Neurology found that epidural steroid injections modestly reduce pain and disability for people with certain kinds of chronic back pain, particularly radiculopathy. The treatment may be effective for up to three months, but its long-term effectiveness is unclear.
A new study found that white children were nearly twice as likely to have completed genetic testing, despite similar rates of test requests. The study also showed that insurance coverage for genetic testing was denied at higher rates for Black children, with disparities that could not be fully explained by socioeconomic factors.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that Black and Hispanic children are less likely to receive a migraine diagnosis when seen at a pediatric emergency department. The study also found that these groups received fewer tests and less intensive treatment.
Researchers found that pregnant people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher chance of experiencing mental illness during their pregnancy and in the first years after giving birth. Mental illnesses included anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, suicide attempts and substance abuse.
A study published in Neurology found that eating more processed red meat is associated with a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Replacing it with healthier alternatives like nuts, fish, and poultry may reduce the risk.
A study published in Neurology found that female individuals with Tourette syndrome are less likely to be diagnosed, take longer to receive a diagnosis, and are diagnosed at an older age than males. The study also showed that symptoms started earlier in females with persistent motor or vocal tic disorder.
The American Academy of Neurology has launched a new open access journal called Neurology Open Access. The journal publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed articles in all areas of neurology and clinical neurosciences, aiming to improve decision-making by clinicians and promote brain health. Amy Kunchok is the editor-in-chief of the journal.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that older adults with Medicare insurance wait an average of over a month to see a neurologist. Wait times varied depending on the condition, with people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease facing longer delays.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found no association between COVID-19 infections and worsening multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms or disability. Researchers followed 2,132 adults with MS over 18 months and found similar increases in symptom severity for those with and without COVID-19 infection.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that the recently approved drug atogepant can start working to prevent migraines as early as the first day of treatment. The study, which focused on three trials over 12 weeks, found significant reductions in migraine frequency and severity among participants taking the drug.
The American Academy of Neurology outlines 12 factors that influence a person's brain health at all stages of life. By discussing these factors with your neurologist or primary care physician, they can provide advice and resources to help you improve your brain health.
A recent study published in Neurology has found that people with sleep apnea tend to have a larger hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and thinking. The study, which included mostly Latino participants, also discovered that lower oxygen levels during sleep were associated with increased brain volume and white matter hyperintensities.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found an association between fluctuating blood pressure and problems with thinking skills in older adults. The findings suggest that routine monitoring for blood pressure changes could help identify individuals at risk and potentially prevent or delay cognitive decline.
Researchers found that people with CTE and a family history of mental illness had an average score of 19 on aggression, compared to 17 for those without. A higher risk was seen among participants who died between 40-59 years old, indicating a potential link between genetic and environmental factors.
A study published in Neurology found that children with multiple sclerosis from disadvantaged neighborhoods had greater brain inflammation and tissue loss. Social factors such as public health insurance, race, and parental education level were associated with worse MS outcomes.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with neurological conditions face disparities in telemedicine use based on their age, race, ethnicity, and neighborhood. The research showed that white people were more likely to use telemedicine than Black and Hispanic populations.
Researchers found that recovery from anti-NMDAR encephalitis takes longer than previously thought, up to three years, with continued thinking and memory problems. The study also showed that participants who went back to school or work had better scores on well-being and processing speed.
Researchers found teaching artistic observation to neurology residents contributed to their development as skilled clinicians and compassionate healers. The project improved observational skills, communication, and empathy among the residents.
A study published in Neurology found that people with conditions like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and smoking are at a higher risk of having severe strokes. Researchers also found that managing these risk factors can help prevent severe stroke.
A higher Brain Care Score (BCS) significantly reduces the risk of stroke, late-life depression, and dementia in individuals with a higher genetic predisposition to these conditions. The study's findings suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle choices can protect brain health regardless of genetic risk.
A study published in Neurology found that average out-of-pocket costs for neurological disease drugs increased by 217% over a nine-year period, with multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs experiencing the largest increase. Generic versions of these drugs led to a decrease in overall costs, but not necessarily in patient out-of-pocket expenses.
A recent study published in Neurology has found an association between poor sleep quality and signs of brain aging in late middle age. People with difficulty falling or staying asleep, as well as those who wake up early morning, had more signs of poor brain health
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that middle-aged people with uncontrolled risk factors and poor lifestyle habits are at a higher risk of stroke, dementia, or depression. The study's results highlight the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle choices to promote brain health.
A recent meta-analysis published in Neurology found that treatment with tenecteplase is associated with a higher likelihood of excellent recovery and reduced disability three months after ischemic stroke compared to alteplase. The study included 11 studies and analyzed data from over 7,800 participants.
A study published in Neurology found an association between LGBTQ+ status and increased risk of adverse brain health outcomes. Researchers analyzed data from over 393,000 people and found that LGBTQ+ individuals had a higher risk of dementia and late-life depression compared to cisgender and straight individuals.
A new study found that people taking certain medications for primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) do not experience a slower rate of disability progression compared to those not receiving treatment. The study, published in Neurology, suggests that anti-CD20 therapies may not be effective in slowing disability progression.
Researchers discovered that those following the MIND diet closely had a reduced risk of cognitive impairment compared to low-diet adherents. The high-diet group showed a 4% decreased risk of cognitive decline, with significant benefits for female participants and Black individuals.
A recent study found that people who have had a stroke are more likely to report short or long sleep duration compared to those without prior stroke. Normal sleep duration was less common among stroke survivors across all age groups, with 32% vs 54% in the 18-44 age group.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a possible link between heavy metal cadmium exposure and cognitive impairment in white individuals, but not in Black people. The study showed that high levels of cadmium were associated with increased risk of thinking and memory problems among white participants.
A new study published in Neurology found that ubrogepant, a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, was effective in helping people with migraine function normally and go about their day. The study involved 518 participants who experienced early warning signs of a migraine and were given either ubrogepant or a placebo.
A new study published in Neurology found that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of relapse in people with multiple sclerosis. However, participants with high MS activity and those who received booster doses did show a small increased risk, especially if they were not taking disease-modifying treatments.
A new study published in Neurology found that high diastolic blood pressure is linked to a slightly higher odds of ever having migraine in female participants. The study also found no associations between cardiovascular risk factors and migraine in male participants.
Researchers identified a common genetic variation that appears to protect against ALS by reducing levels of a protein blocking the IGF-1 signaling pathway. This finding suggests a potential new approach to targeting IGF-1 as a treatment for ALS.
A study published in Neurology found that people with high levels of body fat stored in their belly or arms may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases than those with low levels. Those with high muscle strength were also less likely to develop these diseases.