The American Academy of Neurology's 74th Annual Meeting will feature over 2,400 posters and platform presentations on the latest neurologic research. In-person attendees must provide COVID-19 vaccination verification to attend.
A meta-analysis found that bridging therapy, combining intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, is associated with better chances of survival, functional independence, and robust blood flow returning to the brain after stroke. Researchers suggest this approach may be more effective than physical clot removal alone for peop...
A new study published in Neurology found that people with mild traumatic brain injuries are more likely to have cognitive impairment and cognitive decline one year after their injury. Researchers also discovered a link between poor cognitive outcomes and other symptoms like anxiety and lower life satisfaction.
A study found a three-fold increase in dementia risk among lonely Americans younger than 80 who didn't carry the APOE ε4 allele. Loneliness was associated with poorer executive function and changes in brain structure indicating vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in Neurology found that exposure to strep throat does not increase the risk of developing tics in children who have a parent or sibling with a chronic tic disorder. Researchers followed 259 children for an average of 1.6 years and found no association between strep infection and tic development.
A study found that subtle changes in heart structure and function between early adulthood and middle age are associated with declines in thinking and memory skills. The research, published by the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that a single echocardiogram may help identify people at higher risk of cognitive impairment.
A new study suggests that regular exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease in people with early-stage symptoms. Those who engaged in moderate exercise for at least four hours a week experienced less trouble balancing, walking, and performing daily activities over time.
The American Academy of Neurology issues a position statement on how to navigate consent issues for people with stroke, emphasizing the importance of advance health care directives and surrogate decision makers. Neurologists may need to guide patients' wishes and make decisions based on their best interests when time is of the essence.
A new study suggests that midlife cardiovascular conditions and risk factors were associated with midlife cognitive decline, but the association is stronger for women. Certain cardiovascular conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, had stronger associations with cognitive decline in women compared to men.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a guideline on oral and topical treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy, updating the 2011 AAN guideline. The guideline recommends several drug classes, including tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentinoids, and sodium channel blockers.
A new study found that kids, teens and young adults who spend more time outdoors during the summer months have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as children. The research also suggests that greater time spent outdoors in the first year of life is associated with lower odds of MS.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a guideline recommending treatment options for early Parkinson's disease, including levodopa as the best first treatment. The guideline also highlights potential side effects and risks associated with medications, such as dyskinesia and impulse-control disorders.
A new study found that people who consumed an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, and tea or coffee had a lower risk of developing dementia. The research showed that each one-point increase in dietary inflammatory score was associated with a 21% increase in dementia risk.
Researchers found that small fiber neuropathy affects 13.3 per 100,000 people, with rates increasing over time. The condition is often associated with obesity, diabetes, insomnia, and heart attacks, highlighting the need for screening and prevention methods.
The research team aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, particularly in women who may be disproportionally affected by chronic symptoms. They plan to leverage a biorepository and longitudinal study to assess the impact of acute and chronic inflammation on brain injury and neu...
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women are underrepresented in stroke clinical trials, with a participation-to-prevalence ratio of 0.84. This disparity may limit the applicability of trial results to the general population and affect access to new therapies.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that people with diabetes who have had a stroke may benefit from maintaining blood sugar levels between 6.8% and 7.0% to lower the risk of future vascular events. The study found that those admitted to the hospital with A1C levels above 7.0% were at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.
A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found that adults with neurologic conditions are more likely to have had adverse childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect. The study suggests that early recognition of these high adverse childhood experiences may improve health outcomes for individuals with neurologic conditions.
A meta-analysis of 32 studies involving 10,243 participants found that adults and children with migraines have poorer sleep quality and shorter REM sleep times than those without migraines. Children with migraines also have less total sleep time, more wake time, and faster sleep onset.
A new study published in Neurology shows that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and depression are more likely to die over the next decade than those with MS alone or neither condition. The study also found a higher risk of developing vascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke, among individuals with both MS and depression.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with lower scores on a dementia risk test may have lower thinking skills, more brain changes, and a higher risk of cognitive impairment. The study also showed associations between high scores on the test and poor memory function and markers of brain shrinkage in men.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that immigrants to Canada have a significantly lower rate of stroke compared to long-term residents. The researchers analyzed medical records of over 8 million people and found that immigrants had a 33% lower risk of stroke, with the greatest reduction seen among older immigrants.
A new study shows that having someone available to listen can improve cognitive resilience and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The study found that individuals with higher listener availability had better cognitive function despite similar physical aging or disease-related changes.
A new study published in Neurology shows that people who walk at least three to four hours a week after having a stroke may have a 54% lower risk of death. Exercise was found to be most beneficial for younger stroke survivors, with those under 75 years old experiencing an 80% reduced risk of death.
The American Academy of Neurology provides ethical guidance for neurologists caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The position statement emphasizes the importance of respecting patient autonomy, involving families in care decisions, and addressing ethnic disparities in dementia diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in Neurology found that despite lower socioeconomic status, Black people with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have more disability than white peers. The study discovered smaller brain lesions and slower cognitive and physical processing speeds among Black participants.
A study published in Neurology found that nearly half of people with a history of concussion with loss of consciousness are living with disability. The areas with the greatest amount of disability were mobility and general physical activities, affecting 38% and 36% of participants respectively
A new study found that Black and Hispanic stroke survivors are at higher risk of having changes in the brain's blood vessels that can lead to a second bleeding stroke. The research, published in Neurology, suggests that these differences may be due to disparities in healthcare access and severity of cerebral small vessel disease.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that health problems like high blood pressure and obesity in one's 20s can lead to cognitive decline decades later. Researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 participants and found that cardiovascular risk factors were strongly associated with thinking skills decline.
A new study published in Neurology found that Medicare payments for neurology medications increased by 50% over five years, despite a 8% rise in claims. The majority of the increase was due to rising costs for neuroimmunology drugs, primarily used for multiple sclerosis.
A study published in Neurology found that strep throat exposure was associated with an increase of about 20% in ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children with chronic tic disorders. However, researchers did not find a link between strep exposure and worsening tics or symptoms of OCD.
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with primary progressive aphasia, often associated with Alzheimer's disease, may not develop memory problems. Instead, their language skills decline significantly over time.
A new study found that people in rural areas are less likely to receive specialty care from neurologists, with those living in urban areas more likely to see a specialist for common conditions like dementia and stroke. However, telemedicine can help extend neurological services to underserved areas.
A new study found that neurology patients with high-deductible health plans are more likely to have high out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic tests and office visits. Out-of-pocket costs for tests increased by up to 190% over a 15-year period, affecting the ability of patients to receive necessary care.
A new study published in Neurology found that siponimod improved cognitive processing speed in people with advanced secondary progressive MS. The medication showed a 28% higher chance of sustained improvement compared to placebo, and reduced the risk of decline by 21%.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) had a 72% greater risk of developing bladder cancer compared to those without the disease. However, breast and colorectal cancers did not show a significant association with MS.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that Black people have a higher risk of ischemic stroke due to blood clots, which cannot be fully explained by known risk factors. The researchers identified differences in left atrium structure and function between Black and white participants.
A new study published in Neurology found that midlife thinking skills may suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Five percent of participants experienced accelerated cognitive decline over five years, while those with high blood pressure had a 7.5% faster decline rate compared to non-hypertensive individuals.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease does not significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that factors such as age, hallucinations, and cerebral hemorrhage during surgery were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
A recent study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that telemedicine is an effective way to deliver pediatric neurology care, with a 93% satisfaction rate among clinicians. The study also suggests that telemedicine may help address existing barriers to care, such as lack of access to computers or transportation needs. To impro...
A study published in Neurology found that yoga reduced headache frequency by 48% and pain intensity in people with episodic migraine. The yoga group experienced fewer headaches, less pain, and decreased need for medications compared to the medication-only group.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends considering PFO closure for some people under age 60 who have had a stroke without other possible causes identified, to reduce the risk of future strokes better than medication alone. The procedure can safely be performed for those with no other higher risk cause of stroke.
A recent study published in Neurology found an association between long-term air pollution exposure and a steeper rate of cognitive decline in individuals living in urban areas. Participants who lived in areas with higher levels of air pollution scored lower on thinking and memory tests and experienced faster declines in cognitive skills.
A study published in Neurology found that phone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly improves depression, anxiety, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease. After three months of weekly sessions, participants showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms and maintained improvements six months later.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that increased out-of-pocket costs for neurologic medications, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are associated with lower patient adherence. For example, a $50 increase in cost was linked to a 12% decrease in medication possession ratio for Alzheimer's disease.
A new AAN guideline provides recommendations for treating sleep problems in children and teens with autism. The guideline suggests starting with behavior-modification strategies, such as setting a consistent sleep routine, before considering medication like melatonin.
A new study published in Neurology found that young black and Latino people are less likely to be disabled or die within three months after a hemorrhagic stroke. The study, which involved 418 participants, found significant differences in recovery rates among racial and ethnic groups.
A special issue of Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports remarkable progress in treating conditions of partial blindness. Research explores various aspects of vision loss due to diseases like glaucoma or optic neuropathy, with a focus on stop-cell death and induce regeneration to restore vision.
The editorial highlights burnout among physicians, including women, and the persistent gender gap in the neurology workforce. The authors suggest structural changes to address these issues, such as flexible work hours, daycare, and mentorship programs.
A study published in Neurology found that concussions can lead to lingering brain injuries even one year after athletes are cleared to return to play. Researchers used MRI scans to compare the brains of concussed and healthy athletes, finding reduced blood flow and signs of tissue swelling in concussed athletes.
A small study suggests that non-invasive nerve stimulation may be effective in treating vestibular migraine attacks. The treatment, which involves electrical impulses delivered through the skin to the vagus nerve, showed improvement in vertigo symptoms for 13 out of 14 participants.
The AAN suggests annual assessments to identify mild cognitive impairment early, which can lead to earlier intervention and improved quality of life. Doctors should also document mild cognitive impairment in patients' medical records to ensure timely care.
Researchers found that people with mild cognitive impairment may have different brain changes depending on the type of dementia they have. The study suggests that these changes could potentially be used to track early changes in Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline recommending that people with multiple sclerosis receive recommended vaccinations, including yearly flu shots. The guideline updates previous recommendations and emphasizes the importance of preventing infections through vaccine use in MS patients.
A new study published in Neurology found that facial pain is a common symptom of headaches, affecting up to 10% of people with primary headaches. The study suggests that facial pain may be a distinct syndrome rather than just a headache variant.
The American Academy of Neurology has developed guidelines for preventing and treating migraine in children and teens. The guidelines recommend a detailed history and physical examination, education about migraine triggers, healthy lifestyle habits, and evidence-based treatments such as ibuprofen and triptans.
A recent study published in Neurology found that both low and high levels of hemoglobin are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study involved over 12,000 participants and followed them for an average of 12 years, revealing a significant link between hemoglobin levels and dementia risk.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that having a higher BMI and bigger waistline in the 60s is associated with greater signs of brain aging. This can lead to accelerated brain thinning, which is tied to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Neurology found that having a bigger waistline and high BMI in the 60s is associated with greater signs of brain aging. The study suggests that obesity accelerates brain aging, which can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease by at least a decade.
A new study found that mentally stimulating activities like using a computer, playing games, crafting, and participating in social activities are linked to a lower risk of delay or prevention of age-related memory loss called mild cognitive impairment. Engaging in more activities during later life was associated with an even lower risk.