A new study found that individuals with higher levels of lifelong learning developed Alzheimer's disease five years later than those with the lowest level of learning. Higher lifetime enrichment was also associated with a 38% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and a 36% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that pu...
A recent study published in Neurology Open Access found that following a Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of stroke among women. The study, which involved over 105,000 participants, showed that the diet was linked to lower rates of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as well as overall stroke risk.
A study published in Neurology found that taking antidepressants after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not associated with an increased risk of death, brain surgery, or longer hospital stays. The study included over 54,000 participants and found that antidepressant users had an 11% lower risk of needing emergency brain surgery.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women who experienced an ischemic stroke during pregnancy or postpartum were at a higher risk of cardiovascular events and depression. The study also showed lower employment rates among these women compared to those without a stroke.
A new study published in Neurology found that using hearing aids was associated with a lower risk of dementia but little impact on cognitive test scores among older adults with moderate hearing loss. The study suggests that hearing aid use may support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
A study published in Neurology found that people with weaker and more fragmented circadian rhythms, as well as those who experience a later peak of activity, have an elevated risk of dementia. The study involved over 2,000 participants and followed them for three years to track the development of dementia.
A new study published in Neurology found that age does not impact neurological recovery after spinal cord injury, but older adults have poorer functional outcomes in tasks such as feeding, bathing, and mobility. The study also found a significant reduction in functional recovery with increasing age, particularly in those over 70.
A recent study found that female participants experienced slightly worse recovery from ischemic stroke compared to male participants. The study analyzed data from 1,046 people who experienced their first stroke and tracked their recovery over three, six, and 12 months. Female participants showed poorer recovery in daily tasks such as e...
A new study published in Neurology found an association between high-fat dairy products and a reduced risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from 27,670 people in Sweden and found that those who ate more high-fat cheese had a 13% lower risk of developing dementia.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline for the management of functional seizures, which are episodes that can look or feel like epilepsy or fainting. The guideline recommends psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy to increase the likelihood of achieving freedom from functional seizures.
A preliminary study suggests that GLP-1 drugs, used for diabetes and weight loss, may be linked to a lower risk of developing epilepsy. Researchers found an association between the use of these drugs and a reduced risk of epilepsy, with semaglutide showing the strongest correlation.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with impaired kidney function have higher levels of Alzheimer's biomarkers in their blood. However, the study did not find an increased risk of developing dementia among those with poor kidney health.
A study published in Neurology found that using GPS driving data can predict cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants who developed cognitive issues had greater reductions in driving frequency and variety over time.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has opened press registration for the 78th Annual Meeting, taking place April 18-22 in Chicago and live online. The event will feature over 3,500 abstracts covering 25 neurology topics, as well as late-breaking research and educational courses.
A new analysis reveals that over 180 million Americans have at least one neurological condition, with tension-type headache, migraine, and diabetic neuropathy being the most prevalent. The prevalence rate has remained stable since 1990, but total disability-adjusted life-years increased by 55% between 1990 and 2021.
A new study shows a significant increase in the use of computed tomography (CT) scans of the head in emergency departments across the US from 2007 to 2022. The study found that Black people were 10% less likely to receive a head CT scan than white people, and those on Medicaid insurance were 18% less likely.
A new study has found that people with lower incomes and from historically underrepresented groups are more likely to have modifiable risk factors for dementia. Improving access to vision care and reducing social isolation could potentially mitigate some of these risks, particularly in those living below the poverty line
A study published in Neurology found a significant link between heart attacks and the development of late-onset epilepsy in older adults. Researchers discovered that people who experienced a heart attack were nearly twice as likely to develop late-onset epilepsy, with a higher risk of dying from vascular causes related to the brain.
Researchers found that heavy drinkers experienced strokes a decade earlier and with greater severity than non-heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking was also linked to signs of cerebral small vessel disease, which causes long-term brain damage.
A study published in Neurology found that veterans with epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury had a higher mortality rate compared to those with no prior traumatic brain injury. The risk varied by cause of the traumatic brain injury, with those with skull or facial fractures having an 18% higher risk of death.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with high brain pressure disorder are more likely to experience vision problems, especially scotomas and reduced visual acuity. The study identified two mechanisms leading to vision loss and developed an assessment to predict who may develop persistent vision problems.
A study published in Neurology Open Access found that people with both gum disease and cavities have a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Researchers analyzed data from 5,986 adults and found that those with both conditions had an 86% higher risk of stroke compared to those with healthy mouths.
A recent study has found an association between gum disease and changes in the brain's white matter, which can affect memory, thinking, balance, and coordination. Adults with gum disease had more white matter hyperintensities, a type of damage that can increase stroke risk.
A study found that combining tramadol with certain antidepressants increases the risk of seizures in older nursing home residents. Researchers analyzed 10 years of Medicare data and found a modest but measurable increase in seizure rates when these medications were taken together.
A nationwide study found a small but measurable increase in Parkinson's risk among older adults exposed to high levels of trichloroethylene in outdoor air. The study identified geographic hot spots with high TCE levels, particularly in the Rust Belt region.
A study published in Neurology found that preterm infants who received more skin-to-skin contact had stronger brain development in areas related to emotion and stress regulation. The study also linked longer skin-to-skin sessions to improved brain connectivity and lower stress markers.
A growing number of U.S. adults are reporting serious challenges with memory, concentration, and decision-making, especially among younger adults, according to the study. Researchers found that rates of cognitive disability rose from 5.3% in 2013 to 7.4% in 2023, with the largest increase among adults under 40.
A study published in Neurology found that amateur soccer players who frequently head the ball experience changes within the folds of their brain, including disruptions in a specific layer of white matter. This association was linked to poorer performance on thinking and memory tests.
A new study found that people with three or more symptoms of physical frailty were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia than those without frailty. The researchers also discovered changes in brain structure and biomarkers in people with frailty, which may be a mechanism underlying the pathway from frailty to dementia.
Chronic insomnia is associated with faster declines in memory and thinking skills, as well as brain changes visible on imaging scans. People with insomnia are 40% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia than those without insomnia.
A study published in Neurology found that people who consumed the highest amounts of low- and no-calorie sweeteners experienced faster declines in thinking and memory skills compared to those who consumed the lowest amounts. The decline was equivalent to about 1.6 years of aging.
A new study found that Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander people had the highest rate of stroke among all racial and ethnic groups, with a rate of 591 cases per 100,000 people. The study also showed significant disparities in stroke risk among different racial and ethnic groups.
A study found that hormone therapy type impacts memory performance in postmenopausal women, with transdermal estradiol patches enhancing episodic memory and pill form improving prospective memory. The type of hormone therapy taken during and after menopause may influence cognitive performance differently across various types of memory.
Researchers discovered a significant association between metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The study found that people with metabolic syndrome were about 40% more likely to develop the disease than those without it.
A study found that athletes from high-disadvantage neighborhoods had a thinner outer layer in certain areas of the brain and smaller brain volumes, which can be early signs of neurodegeneration. Researchers suggest that recognizing stressors can help inform more equitable approaches to protecting long-term brain health.
Researchers discovered a strong association between pregnancy complications and an increased risk of early stroke. Preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth were among the most significant risks found in the study.
A study published in Neurology found that women with multiple sclerosis are less likely to receive disease-modifying drugs than men, even when accounting for pregnancy and postpartum periods. The study suggests that women's reluctance to use these treatments may be a factor in the disparity.
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 found that using some older and newer antiseizure medications during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of malformations at birth. The study suggests that medications like valproate, phenobarbital, and topiramate may be associated with a higher risk of birth defects compared to lamotrigine.
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 found that brain age gap plays a key role in the connection between cognitive impairment risk factors and thinking memory skills. Researchers discovered that accelerated brain aging influences the relationship between cognitive decline and risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
A brain age gap refers to the difference between predicted age and actual chronological age. The study found that higher cognitive impairment risk factor scores were consistently associated with poorer cognitive performance, especially in areas like executive function and language. Researchers developed a brain age prediction model to ...
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.
People who spend more time in bed sleeping or trying to sleep after a mild stroke are at risk of lower cognitive scores and brain damage. The study found an association between longer bed times and microbleeds in the brain, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep disorders in patients with mild strokes.
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.
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.