A new study published in Neurology found that brain tumor patients who take valproic acid on top of standard treatment may live longer than those taking other epilepsy medications. The study showed an average three-month increase in survival for patients receiving valproic acid, but also noted increased risk of bleeding and infection.
A study using advanced brain imaging techniques found that 33% of participants had high levels of amyloid-beta deposits, indicating an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study also discovered a link between these deposits and changes in brain metabolites, which may help identify people at risk for the condition.
People with Parkinson's disease who see a neurologist are more likely to live longer, less likely to be placed in a nursing home, and have fewer hip fractures. The study also found disparities in access to care based on gender and ethnicity.
A new study suggests that Alzheimer's disease symptoms are less noticeable in people over 80 compared to those between 60-75. Brain scans revealed that executive function, memory, and attention were less abnormal in older adults.
Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs were found to reduce the risk of second strokes by 77% in young adults who experienced a first ischemic stroke. The study, published in Neurology, suggests that these medications should be considered for treatment even when the cause of the stroke is unknown.
A study found that high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity in middle age can lead to brain shrinkage and decreased cognitive function over time. The study involved 1,352 participants without dementia and found associations between these risk factors and white matter hyperintensities and executive function decline.
A new type of therapy has shown promise in reducing symptoms of pain, weakness, and fatigue in people with functional or psychogenic symptoms. The study, which included a self-help workbook and guided sessions, found that participants who received the extra therapy were more likely to report improvements in their overall health.
A new study examines the cost-effectiveness of MS drugs in the US, finding that they come at a high cost compared to basic therapy and other chronic diseases. The research suggests that reducing medication prices by 67% could improve the cost-benefit ratio and support earlier disease-modifying therapy.
A recent study suggests that keeping up with general health factors, such as denture fit, vision, and hearing, may reduce the risk of developing dementia. The study found that each health problem increased a person's odds of developing dementia by 3.2 percent compared to those without such problems.
People with multiple sclerosis are at risk of poor bone health in the early stages of the disease, with 51% experiencing osteoporosis or osteopenia. Low vitamin D levels can lead to reduced calcium absorption and bone mineralization.
New research from the American Academy of Neurology found that breastfeeding does not have a protective effect on multiple sclerosis relapses. In fact, women with high disease activity and high risk of postpartum relapses may need to resume MS treatment after giving birth.
A new study found that a protein called soluble amyloid precursor protein beta (sAPPβ) may be a more accurate predictor of Alzheimer's disease than existing biomarkers. The researchers discovered that sAPPβ levels were significantly higher in participants who developed the disease, with an average of 1,200 nanograms per milliliter.
A new study suggests that regular use of olive oil for cooking and dressing may lower the risk of stroke by 41% compared to non-users. The research found that consuming olive oil was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
A new study found that older adults who engage in regular moderate to intense exercise are 40% less likely to develop small brain lesions, also known as 'silent strokes'. This reduces the risk of falls, memory problems, dementia, and stroke. Exercise does not appear to have a similar benefit for those with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease are twice as likely to develop melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Women with Parkinson's disease are also at higher risk, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease.
A recent study published in Neurology found that stress does not increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Researchers studied two groups of nurses and found no significant link between severe stress at home or during childhood and adolescence and the development of MS.
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among African-American patients with MS, largely due to regional UV exposure and geographic factors. Low vitamin D levels were found in nearly 77% of MS patients compared to 71% without the disease.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that more than half of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease before age 60 are initially misdiagnosed due to atypical symptoms. Researchers found that 53% of those with no memory problems were incorrectly diagnosed, highlighting the need for biomarkers to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Approximately 14% of all strokes occur during sleep, preventing patients from receiving timely clot-busting treatment. Researchers estimate that around 58,000 people in the US go to the emergency department with a wake-up stroke each year.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that being overweight or obese during middle age may increase the risk of certain dementias. Researchers found that people who were overweight or obese at midlife had an 80% higher risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or vascular dementia in late life.
A new study suggests that group doctor visits could be an effective way to manage Parkinson's disease, allowing patients more time with their doctors and providing education on managing the condition. The study found no difference in quality of life between those receiving usual care and those participating in group visits.
Researchers found a strong association between low sunlight exposure and an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in people who have had infectious mononucleosis. The study, published in the April 2011 issue of Neurology, suggests that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in this association.
A new study found that areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease may start shrinking up to a decade before dementia is diagnosed. The researchers used MRI scans to measure brain size in people with no memory problems and followed them for years to see who developed the disease.
Researchers found that treating vascular risk factors can help slow memory decline and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Those receiving full treatment were 39% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease compared to those receiving no treatment.
Perampanel, a new drug, has shown promise in reducing seizures in people with hard-to-control epilepsy. The study involved 387 participants who took either the 12mg or 8mg dose of perampanel and reported a significant reduction in seizure frequency compared to those taking a placebo.
A new clinical trial shows that safinamide can help patients with severe Parkinson's disease by reducing dyskinesia, or movement problems. The study found that taking safinamide in addition to levodopa and other dopaminergic treatments reduced dyskinesia by 24% in some participants.
A randomized trial comparing three types of exercise training found that low-intensity treadmill exercise resulted in the most consistent improvements in gait and mobility for people with Parkinson's disease. Stretching and resistance exercises also showed some benefits.
A new study reveals that Iraqi refugees are disproportionately affected by brain and nervous system disorders, with 4% of all registered refugees having a diagnosed condition. The most common diagnoses were epilepsy, back pain, and headache, with many refugees experiencing torture-related injuries.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline on the most effective treatments for diabetic nerve pain. Pregabalin was found to be an effective treatment in improving quality of life, while several other treatments including gabapentin, valproate, antidepressants and opioids should also be considered.
A Phase III clinical study found that laquinimod reduced annual relapse rates by 23% and disability progression by 36%. Laquinimod also slowed brain atrophy by 33%. The study involved 1,106 people with relapsing-remitting MS in 24 countries.
A study published in Neurology found that welders exposed to welding fumes had an average 11.7% reduction in dopamine levels in the brain, indicating potential neurotoxic effects. The researchers also discovered brain changes consistent with manganese deposits in welders.
Researchers found that people who used marijuana performed significantly worse in attention, speed of thinking, executive function, and visual perception, with some scoring approximately one third lower than non-users. The study suggests that prolonged marijuana use may add to the cognitive burden already experienced by MS patients.
A long-term study reports the effectiveness of stem cell transplants in replacing bone marrow and reducing disease activity in people with rapidly progressive MS. The treatment showed promising results, with an average improvement in symptoms lasting two years.
A study published in Neurology found that stroke survivors with depression are at a higher risk of dependence after three months. The research also showed that other factors, such as age and comorbidities, can contribute to this risk.
Research analyzed 15 studies and found that stroke survivors with atrial fibrillation were 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia than those without the heart condition. Approximately 25% of patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation developed dementia during follow-up.
Research suggests ibuprofen may protect against Parkinson's disease by targeting a specific receptor in the brain. Taking ibuprofen regularly reduced the risk of developing the disease by 38%, according to the study published in Neurology.
A new study found that individuals with a mother who has Alzheimer's disease are twice as likely to experience gray matter shrinkage and have more whole brain atrophy compared to those with a father or no family history. The research suggests that inheriting the disease from one's mother may be a significant risk factor.
A study of Japanese-American men who died at an average age of 87 found that half of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's did not have sufficient brain lesions to support the diagnosis. Other dementia types, such as Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia, were more accurately diagnosed.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that speaking multiple languages can protect against memory decline in seniors. Researchers discovered that individuals who spoke four or more languages were significantly less likely to experience cognitive problems compared to those with limited language proficiency.
Research found that simple tests, such as Road Sign Recognition and Compass tasks, can identify those at risk of failing the on-road driving test. The tests correctly classified 80-85% of unsafe drivers.
A recent study found that individuals with high cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age are more likely to experience early cognitive decline and memory problems. The research, which tracked over 4,800 participants for 10 years, showed a significant association between cardiovascular risk factors and poorer cognitive test scores.
Using amphetamines like Benzedrine and Dexedrine may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. The research, which followed 66,348 participants in northern California, found that those who used these drugs were nearly 60% more likely to develop the condition.
Research found that individuals with MS performed better on learning and memory tests during cooler days compared to warmer days. The study suggests a link between warm weather and cognitive impairment in people with MS, which could inform life decisions and clinical treatment.
A new study has found that Native Hawaiians are at a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke at a younger age compared to other ethnicities. The study, which analyzed data from 573 people hospitalized for intracerebral hemorrhage, also showed that more Native Hawaiians had diabetes, with 35% vs 21% in other racial groups.
Researchers found that mirror movements, a type of abnormal motor control, were more prevalent in children with ADHD and associated with the disorder's severity. The studies suggest a potential new marker for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
A study published in Neurology found that men who eat berries regularly have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins from berries, were associated with a reduced risk in both men and women.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with memory problems are at a higher risk for stroke. The research used two simple tests to evaluate brain function and found that those who scored in the bottom 20% were 3-9 times more likely to experience a stroke, depending on age.
A study published in Neurology found that people with higher sun exposure and vitamin D levels were less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. The researchers also discovered that increased UV light exposure and skin damage from sun exposure reduced the risk of developing the disease.
A study published in Neurology found that older people with metabolic syndrome are 20% more likely to experience cognitive decline on memory tests. Higher triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol were linked to poorer memory scores.
Researchers discovered that deep brain stimulation can lower blood pressure in people with difficult-to-control high blood pressure. The treatment used electrical pulses to send signals to the brain, resulting in a significant decrease in blood pressure and allowing some patients to stop taking all their blood pressure medications.