A Phase II clinical trial found that an oral drug called ONO-4641 reduced the number of lesions in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study showed significant decreases in Gd-enhancing brain lesions, with doses of 0.05mg, 0.10mg, and 0.15mg resulting in 82%, 92%, and 77% fewer lesions compared to placebo.
A new method using florbetaben PET scans may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease earlier by detecting beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. The study found a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 94% compared to post-mortem diagnosis, with even higher accuracy for visual assessments.
A study published in Neurology found that certain antidepressants decrease depression in people with Parkinson's disease without worsening motor problems. The study used paroxetine and venlafaxine, two types of antidepressants with fewer side effects, and showed significant improvements in depression scores.
Two studies published in Neurology find that memory decline accelerates in the two- and-a-half years before death, while mentally stimulating activities like reading and board games may help preserve cognitive function during late life.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology confirms IVIg as an effective treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The therapy has been shown to be as effective as plasma exchange in treating GBS, with long-term use also helping to manage CIDP. Serious side effects a...
A new study found that older people's memory and thinking skills decline faster after a first hospital stay compared to before or after discharge. Hospital stays were linked to significant declines in memory scores on specific tests, lasting even after adjusting for severe illness and age.
A study published in Neurology found that women with mild retinopathy had lower scores on cognitive tests and more brain damage than those without the condition. The researchers suggest that eye screening could be a simple way to identify people at risk of brain health issues.
Research found that women who had two or more pregnancies had a significantly reduced risk of developing MS symptoms, while men showed no association between children and MS risk. This study suggests a possible link between delayed motherhood and increased MS cases in women.
A study published in Neurology found that people with lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids had lower brain volumes equivalent to about two years of structural brain aging. Omega-3 deficiency was also linked to poorer performance on tests of visual memory and executive function.
A large study found that women with a history of migraine are 40% more likely to develop depression than those without. Researchers hope their findings will encourage doctors to discuss depression prevention with migraine patients.
A new study found that foreign-born Hispanics living in the US are less likely to have a stroke than non-Hispanic whites, after accounting for socioeconomic factors. However, Hispanic Americans born in the US have similar stroke risk to non-Hispanic whites.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends monitoring the spinal cord during spinal surgery and certain chest surgeries to prevent paralysis. Intraoperative monitoring can alert surgeons to potential problems before damage occurs, reducing the risk of complications.
A recent study suggests that mothers who experience migraines may be more likely to have infants with colic. The research, presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting, found that babies whose mothers had a history of migraine were two-and-a-half times more likely to have colic than those without.
Researchers found that clazosentan decreased the effects of TBI on blood flow by 25% at four hours and 23% at 48 hours. The drug was most effective when given at two hours post-injury and again at 24 hours after trauma.
A study examining clot-busting drugs in children with ischemic stroke found that these medications can be safely administered, with a higher risk of bleeding but similar mortality rates compared to adults. Researchers believe further studies are needed to optimize treatment effectiveness in pediatric patients.
A two-year clinical trial showed that weight training significantly improved motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease compared to stretching and balance exercises. Weight training led to a 7.3 point improvement in UPRDS scores after two years, while fitness counts group returned to baseline scores.
Research found that middle-aged individuals with slower walking speed are one-and-a-half times more likely to develop dementia, while those with weaker hand grip strength are at a higher risk of stroke. Conversely, faster walkers and stronger grippers have lower risks, according to the study.
Research suggests that disrupted sleep patterns may be associated with the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brains of people without memory problems. The study found that participants who woke up more than five times per hour and slept inefficiently were more likely to have these markers.
Research published in Neurology finds that people with HIV who have a larger waistline are more likely to experience impaired mental functions such as poor memory and concentration. The study also notes that certain anti-HIV drugs can cause weight gain in the center of the body, which may contribute to these issues.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that consuming excessive calories may double the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in individuals aged 70 and above. The findings indicate a dose-response pattern where higher caloric intake corresponds to increased MCI risk.
A new scoring method, DRAGON score, can accurately predict stroke patient outcomes three months after treatment with alteplase. The score is 86% accurate and can be calculated in under a minute.
A study published in Neurology found that high levels of beta-amyloid in the brain are associated with subtle changes in memory and mental function in healthy adults. The study, which involved 137 participants aged 30-89, also linked higher amounts of beta-amyloid to lower test scores in working memory, reasoning, and processing speed.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends that neurologists screen patients for abusive treatment by family or others. This can help identify vulnerable patients who may be at risk of traumatic brain injury or other harm.
A recent study published in Neurology found that men are at higher risk of experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than women. The study, which analyzed data from 1,450 participants aged 70-89, revealed that the number of new cases of MCI per year was higher in men, affecting 72 per 1,000 people.
Researchers found increases in brain areas compensating for the injured side and decreases in areas not being used due to the cast or sling. This study supports current trauma surgery guidelines recommending immobilization 'as short as possible, as long as necessary',
A clinical trial found that using a nicotine patch for six months improved long-term memory in people with mild cognitive impairment by 46%. The study, published in Neurology, suggests that nicotine may be beneficial for early signs of memory loss.
A new guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology recommends caution when selecting seizure medications for individuals with HIV/AIDS due to the risk of adverse interactions. The guideline aims to minimize the impact of these drug combinations, particularly in developing countries where treatment options are limited.
Researchers found a link between silent strokes and memory loss in older adults, with those having silent strokes scoring worse on memory tests. The study suggests that stroke prevention may help stave off memory problems.
A study found that people with diets high in omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins had lower brain shrinkage and better mental thinking test scores compared to those with low nutrient intake. The study also showed that trans fats, commonly found in processed foods, were linked to increased brain shrinkage.
A study found that individuals with smaller brain cortex regions are more likely to develop early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The research identified 21% of those at high risk for cognitive decline, compared to 7% of those at average risk.
A new study found that magnetic stimulation can improve visual-spatial abilities in people with hemispatial neglect, a common condition after a right-sided stroke. The treatment, which uses transcranial magnetic stimulation, also restored balance to the brain's circuits and improved cognitive and movement abilities.
A study found that babies born with very low birth weight had lower cognitive test scores, particularly in executive functioning such as attention and visual memory, compared to those born at a normal weight. The study also showed no difference in academic performance but highlighted the importance of full development in the womb.
Researchers have discovered a new marker that can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease versus frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), two types of dementia sharing similar symptoms. The PIB PET scan outperformed the FDG scan in differentiating between the two conditions, with higher sensitivity and accuracy.
A recent study found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment and no memory problems who had the Alzheimer's biomarkers were more likely to have a lower BMI than those without the biomarkers. This association suggests a systemic metabolic response to the disease, possibly related to damage in the hypothalamus.
A study published in Neurology found that people with a history of stroke or diabetes who received clot-busting drugs had better outcomes than those who did not. The use of these drugs can limit damage and disability due to blood clots, and current guidelines should not exclude individuals from receiving this therapy.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson's disease are nearly three times more likely to experience leg motor restlessness than those without the disease. However, restless legs syndrome was not significantly more common among patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.
A new study published in Neurology found that a person's stroke risk profile can also predict their risk of developing memory and thinking problems later in life. The researchers followed 23,752 people with an average age of 64 and found that those with higher stroke risk profiles were more likely to develop cognitive problems.
Research found that people with dementia who have a stroke are three times more likely to have greater disability at discharge and only 24% return to their previous home, compared to 57% of those without dementia. The study highlights the need for established guidelines on managing stroke patients with pre-existing dementia.
A six-month randomized controlled trial found no added benefit from high-dose vitamin D over and above ongoing low-dose vitamin D supplementation in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study involved 23 participants with MS, who received either high-dose or placebo high-dose vitamin D, and showed no significant differe...
The AAN has released an updated guideline for treating essential tremor, recommending the use of medications such as propranolol and primidone to improve shaking in people with the disorder. The guideline also suggests that brain surgery may be a viable option for those who do not benefit from drug treatment.
New research suggests that faster cerebral cortex growth in infancy is linked to better cognitive abilities in children born prematurely. A study of 82 preterm infants found that higher rates of brain growth were associated with improved scores on intelligence tests and motor skills.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who can cross their legs soon after a severe stroke are more likely to have a good recovery. The study involved 68 patients and found that leg-crossers had lower death rates, fewer neurologic problems, and better independence in daily life compared to non-leg-crossers.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people who rate their health as poor or fair have a 70% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who rate their health as good. The association is particularly strong for those without cognitive problems, where the risk is nearly twice as high.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong connection between premature birth and an increased risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Adults born prematurely were five times more likely to be hospitalized for epilepsy compared to those born full-term.
A review of studies published in Neurology found that people with prehypertension are 50% more likely to develop stroke compared to those with normal blood pressure levels. Young and middle-aged individuals with prehypertension are also at higher risk, with nearly 80% increased likelihood of developing a stroke.
A study found that low vitamin B12 levels may lead to brain cell loss and cognitive decline in older people. Vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with lower scores on cognitive tests and smaller total brain volume.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop dementia as those with normal blood sugar levels. The study, which monitored over 1,000 participants for an average of 11 years, also found that controlling diabetes is crucial to prevent cognitive decline.
Researchers found that telestroke, a two-way audio-video telemedicine system, is cost-effective for rural hospitals without around-the-clock neurologists. The study calculated the cost-effectiveness of telestroke by comparing costs and quality-adjusted life years of stroke patients treated with telestroke versus usual care.
A recent study has found a significant link between high cholesterol levels and the presence of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers tested 2,587 people aged 40-79 and found that those with high cholesterol had significantly more brain plaques than those with normal or lower cholesterol levels.
A new study published in Neurology found that psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may be misdiagnosed for up to five years in veterans compared to one year in civilians. The delay is largely due to limited access to epilepsy monitoring units, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.