Feldman et al report that donepezil treatment for six days is associated with a total societal cost saving of $224 per patient. The American Brain Coalition (ABC) was established to advocate for increased support for biomedical research.
The American Academy of Neurology has updated its diagnostic standard for headaches, adding new subtypes and disorders. The revised criteria provide a clearer framework for diagnosing and treating various types of primary and secondary headaches.
Research suggests that mentally demanding jobs may protect against Alzheimer's disease by increasing brain cell activity and maintaining cognitive reserve. However, the exact link between job demands and Alzheimer's is not fully understood, and other factors such as socioeconomic status and environmental exposures may also play a role.
A study of 154 hospitalized stroke patients found that antihypertensive therapy was used more frequently than recommended by clinical guidelines. The majority of patients experienced relative hypotension, and one in 20 developed frank hypotension.
Research reveals that women are 25% more likely to experience migraines before menstruation and that severe attacks often occur during pre- and post-menstruation intervals. Medication frovatriptan shows promise in preventing menstrually-related migraines, with over half of patients experiencing no migraine attacks.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem causing spinning or whirling sensations when moving the head. A study found that performing modified Epley's and Semont maneuvers at home can lead to significant symptom relief for 95% of participants.
The American Academy of Neurology is expanding its clinical research trial recruitment efforts to improve patient care through education and research. The association has over 80% of clinical trials experiencing recruitment issues, which can delay or even prevent completion.
A recent study using diffusion weighted imaging found small brain lesions appearing on MRI scans of amnesiac patients within hours and days of onset. The lesions were all located in the hippocampus, a key area for memory functions, suggesting a possible cause for transient global amnesia.
Researchers found that seizure-alerting dogs exhibited distinctive behaviors to anticipate seizures, with licking and protective actions being common. The study also highlights the importance of education and research in improving patient care through organizations like the American Academy of Neurology.
Recent studies on marijuana use among multiple sclerosis and epilepsy patients have yielded mixed results, highlighting the need for further research to determine its efficacy. Patients reported using marijuana therapeutically to manage pain, spasms, mood, sleep, and stress, but also experienced side effects and variable doses.
A study of 6,044 women aged 65 and older found that those taking epilepsy drugs lost bone mass at nearly twice the rate of non-users. This increases the risk of hip fractures by 29% over five years. Researchers recommend screening for osteoporosis and counseling on calcium and vitamin D supplements.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a guideline evaluating the treatment of infantile spasms, a severe form of epilepsy. The guideline recommends adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as a short-term treatment option, but notes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend optimum dosage and length of treatment.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with low incomes are at a higher risk of developing brain tumors. The study analyzed data from Michigan and found a significant difference in brain cancer rates between those with low incomes and those without, particularly among younger adults.
The study identified older age, female sex, presence of symptoms before the rash appeared, severe acute pain, and extent of rash as significant risk factors for PHN. These risk factors reflect different mechanisms contributing to the development of PHN.
The American Academy of Neurology has developed a guideline evaluating the use of transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) in patients with known or suspected cerebral vascular disease. TCD provides valuable information in screening children with sickle cell disease for stroke risk and detecting vasospasms after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Research highlights disparities in stroke risk among Mexican-Americans and findings on treatment advancements for conditions like sickle cell disease and epilepsy. Studies also explore dementia prevalence in HIV-infected populations and the impact of diabetes and military service on neurological diseases.
Researchers presented promising results of a long-term gene therapy trial in monkeys with Parkinson's disease, showing improved symptoms with reduced levodopa doses. Genetic studies identified a new risk factor for early symptom onset linked to the GST gene, emphasizing the importance of both environmental and genetic factors in PD dev...
Researchers have discovered a way to convert adult bone marrow cells into brain stem cells, which could potentially restore functioning in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The process eliminates ethical and logistical issues associated with fetal tissue use and allows for quick conversion within a few weeks.
A recent study by American Academy of Neurology found that patients taking pergolide for Parkinson's disease have a higher risk of developing valvular heart disease. Eighty-nine percent of pergolide-treated patients showed some degree of valvular insufficiency, with increased risks in the mitral and aortic valves.
A recent study found that men who served in the military were 60% more likely to develop ALS than men who did not serve. The study also revealed that military service prior to the Gulf War was associated with an increased risk of ALS, suggesting a potential link between military service and the development of this debilitating disease.
A study of 42 people found that those taking CoQ10 had significantly fewer migraine attacks than those taking a placebo, with 48% experiencing half as many attacks. The only side effect reported was an allergic skin rash in one patient.
HIV-positive individuals in sub-Saharan Africa exhibit high rates of dementia (11%) and painful sensory neuropathy (51%), with those with low CD4 counts showing even more severe impairment. A rapid screening test may help identify these conditions in resource-limited settings.
A study of nearly 3,300 subjects found that any level of depressed mood was associated with a 40% higher risk for stroke among the entire cohort. In contrast, among white subjects, greater severity of symptoms more than doubled the risk of stroke.
A study of 32 patients with suspected paraneoplastic neurological disorders found that PET imaging successfully identified relevant lesions undetectable by alternative methods. The results suggest that PET is an appropriate and promising tool for patients with undiagnosed paraneoplastic neurological disorders.
Researchers found that language capacity 'evens out' with age, with older adults using more of both hemispheres relative to language skills. The study suggests improvements in linguistic skills and maturation of the central nervous system contribute to increased hemisphere dominance in childhood.
Surgery for medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy shows variation among ethnic groups, with African Americans receiving surgery at significantly lower rates than non-Hispanic whites. The study suggests that racial disparities exist but do not appear to be related to differences in access to care.
A new study found that infusing a molecule called glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) directly into the brain improved Parkinson's disease symptoms in 41% of patients. The GDNF infusion resulted in significant increases in dopamine production and was sustained for at least two years, according to the research.
The American Academy of Neurology honors Leon Fleisher's remarkable recovery from dystonia, allowing him to resume playing piano with both hands. Fleisher's advocacy and selflessness on behalf of dystonia research and education are also recognized.
Researchers found that a blood pressure-lowering regimen in stroke patients can stop or delay further ischemic brain damage. The study showed that patients who received the medication had significantly fewer new white matter lesions compared to those who took placebo.
A population-based study in Nueces County, Texas found that Mexican Americans experience a substantially greater ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage burden compared to non-Hispanic whites. The crude annual total cerebrovascular event rate was 64 per 10,000 in Mexican Americans, nearly 30% higher than in non-Hispanic whites.
A recent study found that secretin alters amygdala responsiveness to affective stimuli, providing a potential treatment avenue for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and autism. The ability to detect and measure secretin's effects in the brain has important implications for studying both brain and behavioral effects.
Researchers found significant improvement in language function and mood in patients with non-severe fluent aphasia treated with fluvoxamine maleate, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. The study used a double-blind crossover design and showed no significant improvement with nilvadipine.
Researchers analyzed brains of deceased men with Parkinson's disease and found a significant decrease in neurons compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that neuron loss starts approximately 13 years before diagnosis, paving the way for potential preclinical intervention.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that botulinum toxin injections significantly improved musicians' playing ability and performance, with 69% reporting a positive response. The treatment was particularly effective for highly accomplished performing artists, who often face devastating career-ending symptoms.
A new study has found that the APOE-2 form of the gene increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 20 percent compared to other forms of the gene. The study analyzed data from 22 studies and 9,988 participants, providing strong evidence for the link between the APOE gene and Parkinson's disease.
A study by Dr. Jonathan Strober found creatine supplementation to be safe in children with neuromuscular disorders, but failed to improve muscle mass or motor function. The treatment had varying effects on range of motion in patients with different conditions.
A new study demonstrates that donepezil, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's, may also improve memory and cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. More than 65% of those treated with donepezil reported improved memory, compared to 32% on placebo.
Research found a 50% increased risk of total stroke and 70% increased risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine with aura, compared to those without. High cholesterol levels were also associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke.
Researchers found pergolide substantially improves PLMS measures and subjective sleep disturbance associated with RLS. The study demonstrated long-term efficacy of pergolide treatment, maintaining improvements over 12 months.
Drs. Thal and Nitsch receive the Potamkin Prize for their groundbreaking research on effective therapies to treat and prevent Alzheimer's disease. Their work has revitalized hopes for a vaccine and slowed cognitive decline in patients.
Researchers found that a widely used reading test, the National Adult Reading Test (NART), can accurately predict an individual's pre-dementia cognitive abilities. The study compared NART scores with IQ scores from childhood and showed no significant difference between demented and non-demented individuals in terms of NART scores.
A new AAN guideline has resolved debate surrounding the role of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in stroke risk. The guideline found no evidence to support or refute closing PFOs, but notes an increased risk for younger patients with both a PFO and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). Further research is needed to determine the best treatment options.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong link between smoking and accelerated cognitive decline in elderly individuals. Smoking was shown to lower MMSE scores by up to .16 points per year, with higher cigarette pack-year exposure leading to greater declines.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends early neuroimaging tests to diagnose cerebral palsy. This helps parents and physicians understand the disorder's cause and create effective treatment plans. The guidelines also suggest screening for related disorders, such as mental retardation and speech disorders.
Two American journalists, Fauber and Singer, are selected for American Academy of Neurology Journalism Fellowships to attend the 56th Annual Meeting in San Francisco. They will learn about latest advances in neurology research and treatment, and make contacts with experts in the field.
A large study found that parents who lost a child are 50% more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than those who did not lose a child. The study suggests that psychological stress may play a role in the development of MS.
The Canavan Disease Clinical Research Training Fellowship supports research into the cause, treatment, and potential cure of this fatal genetic disorder. McPhee plans to examine oligodendrocytes, cells responsible for white matter in the brain, to improve understanding of Canavan disease mechanisms.
Researchers found that brain atrophy was detected on MRI more consistently than decline on cognitive tests or rating scales in patients with PCNSL. The study also examined the risk of stroke associated with triptan use in migraines, finding no increased risk.
A study of 1,036 individuals from 266 families discovered that genetics significantly impacts memory performance, accounting for up to 80% of the variation. The influence of genes on memory abilities was stronger than previously thought and appears to be relatively unaffected by the presence of Alzheimer's disease.
A clinical trial found that low-dose clozapine can reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) in people with severe Parkinson's disease by around 50 percent. The study suggests that clozapine may mitigate the transmission of toxically high levels of levodopa, thereby reducing its potency and lessening the severity and duration of LIDs.