Researchers found a significant association between moderate caffeine consumption and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease in postmenopausal women who don't use hormone replacement therapy. However, high caffeine intake increased the risk of PD in women using HRT, suggesting an estrogen-caffeine interaction
David M. Holtzman and Ashley I. Bush have been awarded the 2003 Potamkin Prize for their work on amyloid accumulation and oxidation in Alzheimer's disease. Their research has provided essential basic foundation for understanding how to treat the pathology related to amyloid accumulation.
The American Academy of Neurology Foundation will honor Jerry Lewis for his decades-long fight against neuromuscular disease. The organization, which supports research and patient care for diseases like muscular dystrophy and ALS, has seen the impact of Lewis's work firsthand.
The American Academy of Neurology has launched a new online section providing patients and caregivers with practical health care information on various neurological conditions. The Patient Page section aims to give the public access to accurate and reliable information through articles written by practicing neurologists.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for evaluating children with global developmental delay, including the use of cytogenetic studies and molecular testing. Early diagnosis can help determine the cause of the disorder and assist in developing a treatment plan.
A new study by American Academy of Neurology found that patients with epilepsy who respond positively to medication do not necessarily have a good long-term outcome. The study analyzed 333 adults with epilepsy and found that younger patients were more likely to experience remission periods without seizures before undergoing surgery.
Children with a first unprovoked seizure are unlikely to develop epilepsy, and most will have few or no recurrences. Individualized assessment of the child's medical history and neurological exam can help determine the best course of action.
Despite being enrolled in a clinical trial comparing anti-clotting agents, African American stroke patients show poor rates of awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These findings are concerning, as heart disease and stroke can be prevented with vigilant risk factor management.
A study found that HIV patients with cognitive impairment who took medications three times a day had lower adherence rates than those on simpler schedules. Researchers suggest giving simpler dosing to help patients stick to their medication schedules.
A large population-based study of over 5,000 subjects found no association between dietary fat and increased dementia risk. Researchers did not find a link between cholesterol lowering medications and reduced dementia risk.
A study of Parkinson's patients found that those with advanced disease are at greater risk for motor vehicle collisions due to motor and cognitive dysfunction. The study also revealed no correlation between self-reported moving violations and total collisions on the simulator.
Researchers found that active brain lesions are key predictors of seizure recurrence in patients with neurocysticercosis. The study suggests that anti-epileptic drugs should be continued until lesions are resolved, and further research on antihelminthic drug therapy is recommended.
Experts emphasize that clinicians can improve quality of life for Alzheimer's patients by following guidelines and utilizing available resources. The number of people with Alzheimer's is expected to swell from 4 million in 2002 to 14 million by 2050, highlighting the need for effective care options.
A recent UK study published in Neurology found no association between Gulf War exposure and specific impairments of peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, or skeletal muscles. The study used robust neurophysiologic tests and included representative comparison groups to rule out objective dysfunction.
Researchers found gabapentin significantly reduced RLS symptoms and improved sleep quality in patients. The study, conducted by the American Academy of Neurology, suggests gabapentin as a potential treatment option for RLS.
A study of 1,709 individuals found that those who drank wine weekly or monthly had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. Flavonoids, natural compounds with antioxidant effects, may be responsible for this beneficial effect.
A large cohort study found that high dietary vitamin E intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, the use of vitamin E or C supplements and multivitamins showed no protective effect on Parkinson's risk. The results suggest that other lifestyle factors may also play a role in reduci...
A recent study suggests that shunting cerebrospinal fluid may help slow cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In a small, controlled trial, patients with Alzheimer's and normal pressure hydrocephalus experienced relative stability compared to those without shunts.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and National Institutes of Health found opioids to be highly effective in reducing pain in PHN patients, while causing no appreciable cognitive decline. The study's results provide convincing evidence for the use of opioids as an alternative treatment option for neuropathic pain.
Researchers found that statins modify immune system molecules involved in MS progression, exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory effects. Statin therapy may serve as a useful standalone or add-on treatment for patients with MS.
Research suggests that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 45% if started before the onset of dementia. Aspirin compounds and other medications showed similar protective effects, while recent or late use offered little protection.
A recent study found that individuals who were always slim or participated in varsity athletics had a higher risk of developing ALS and other motor neuron diseases. The researchers suggest that vigorous physical activity may contribute to the development of these conditions, but further studies are needed to confirm this association.
A study of 52 patients found no clinically significant cognitive decline after CABG surgery, contrary to previous reports. The researchers attributed the lack of decline to general medical care and reduced vascular risk factors.
Researchers found that rats treated with adult human stromal cells experienced significant improvements in function after a stroke, including enhanced motor and sensory abilities. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach for stroke patients, offering a longer time window for effective treatment.
Researchers found that low potassium intake increases stroke risk, while increasing potassium in the diet may help prevent strokes. Diuretics used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions were also linked to an increased risk of stroke in people with low potassium levels.
A seven-year study found that elderly individuals with depressive symptoms were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and experienced rapid cognitive decline. The risk of developing AD increased by 20% for each additional symptom.
Autistic children exhibit significantly increased cerebral volumes compared to typically developing children, suggesting abnormal brain development processes occur very early. Brain volume levels out to normal size by adolescence and adulthood.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's drug donepezil improved pilots' ability to retain complex training in a flight simulator test. The study used 18 pilots aged 52 and tested the theory that aging affects cognitive abilities due to loss of acetylcholine.
The American Academy of Neurology has released new guidelines for neuroimaging in premature and low-birth-weight infants. The guidelines recommend screening cranial ultrasonography for all preterm neonates under 30 weeks gestation, with follow-up imaging at 36-40 weeks gestation.
Research by Mayo Clinic found neurological symptoms account for 31% of in-flight medical complaints, with dizziness/vertigo and seizures being the most common reasons for diversion. The study recommends airlines carry anti-epileptic drugs to improve in-flight care
A 30-year-old woman developed ataxia and nystagmus after using an herbal supplement for weight loss, leading to a diagnosis of Wernicke's Encephalopathy. The woman responded positively to daily thiamine injections, resolving her symptoms.
The American Academy of Neurology endorses electrodiagnostic tests for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These tests offer a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. The guideline recommends laboratory studies for confirming the clinical diagnosis of CTS due to its importance in treating patients who frequently require surgery.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with depression are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without depression. The researchers suggest that low levels of serotonin in the brain may contribute to both depression and Parkinson's disease, increasing the risk of developing the latter.
Research suggests that high homocysteine levels are related to brain atrophy, with elderly individuals experiencing greater loss of brain cells and volume. Additionally, elevated homocysteine levels have been found to be associated with a higher risk of vascular disease in both healthy and Alzheimer's patients.
A large randomized clinical trial found that synthetic THC and plant-extract marijuana derivatives were safe but showed no improvement in spasticity symptoms for multiple sclerosis patients. Side effects, particularly with the plant-extract, were common and may limit potential dosages.
People taking statins were 14 times more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy than those not taking statins, according to a Danish study. The risk increased with longer statin use and higher doses.
Researchers conducted a case-control study of 90 acoustic neuroma patients, but found no association with cellular telephone use. A slightly elevated risk was observed for infrequent users with 3+ years of cell phone use.
A new study reveals that patients with gluten sensitivity may experience neurological dysfunction without gastrointestinal symptoms. The research found antibodies against Purkinje cells and cross-reacting antibodies against gluten, suggesting a potential link between gluten consumption and brain damage.
A study of 74 adult patients with sleepwalking found a strong association with the HLA DQB1*05 genetic susceptibility, which also increases muscle activity during REM sleep. Researchers believe treating underlying health issues may help improve or resolve sleepwalking.
A double-blind clinical trial of 55 Lyme disease patients with severe fatigue revealed that while ceftriaxone showed promise in reducing fatigue, it was not without significant adverse effects. The study's results do not support the use of repeated courses of ceftriaxone due to these risks.
A study of 729 teenagers aged 12-17 found they slept an average of 8.5 hours during the week and 9.5 hours on weekends, with nearly half reporting daytime sleepiness. The later wake times among older teens suggest starting school later may improve attendance and academic performance.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients who developed dementia had a significantly higher risk of death, regardless of hallucination or depression status. The study also revealed that incident dementia and disease severity were independently associated with an increased risk of mortality.
A study by American Academy of Neurology found that rivastigmine significantly reduced hallucinations and improved cognitive abilities in Parkinson's patients. The medication also showed benefits in reaction times, attention, and caregiver distress.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that bright light pulses lasting just two to three hours can delay human circadian rhythms. Additionally, disruptions in sleep timing also produce small rhythm delays, affecting the timing of the circadian clock.
A study of 32 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease found that fetal cell transplants improved symptoms, with the effects being directly proportional to the results experienced prior to transplant. The transplants also showed a significant improvement in dopamine activity in the brain, which stabilized over time.
Researchers found that mitoxantrone induction therapy significantly reduced disease activity in MS patients, with a 76% relapse-free rate at one year and 64% at four years. The annual relapse rate decreased by nearly 90% following treatment.
A survey of 1,086 people found that less than half could correctly define a stroke, with many unaware of treatment options or the importance of administering therapy within three hours. The American Academy of Neurology recommends structured education on stroke prevention and symptoms for those at high risk
Apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism, has been linked to herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), a devastating brain infection. The study found that apoptotic cells were present in HSE patients and correlated with active infection and tissue injury.
A retrospective review of studies on psychological interventions found no direct impact on seizures or quality of life among patients with epilepsy. However, some promising indications were noted regarding reduced anxiety and improved medication compliance.
Researchers found that statin use was associated with a 79% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, regardless of ethnicity or apoE gene variant. The study also showed no difference between natural and synthetic statins in reducing the risk.