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.
A new study suggests that routine overnight EEG monitoring is unwarranted for autistic children, as the incidence of Landau-Kleffner syndrome is miniscule. The study found that only a small percentage of patients with autism spectrum disorder exhibit abnormal EEGs during sleep.
A study found that green tea extract polyphenol can block the uptake of dopamine, providing a potential protective mechanism against Parkinson's disease. The results suggest that polyphenol can inhibit the uptake of dopamine or neurotoxin MPP+ by blocking dopamine transporter.
Researchers found different weather patterns linked to specific stroke sub-types, with warmer seasons reducing ischemic strokes from large arteries. Additionally, temperature drops five days prior and higher air pressure and humidity increased overall strokes and those caused by blockage of large arteries in the brain or heart.
A new autologous stem cell transplantation treatment has shown promising results in stabilizing the disability of 26 people with severe multiple sclerosis. The study found that 20 patients remained stable, while six showed mild improvement, with only three experiencing new brain lesions at one year after the transplant.
A study led by Kenneth Marek found that pramipexole slows dopaminergic neuronal degeneration compared to levodopa in early Parkinson's patients. Most patients will be treated with both medications, and further research is needed to assess the clinical impact of these findings.
A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting found that cortical spreading depression, a brain event linked to migraines, affects specific genes. Researchers identified two peptides influencing blood vessel activity and pain control, which may be related to menstrual migraine attacks.
A new study suggests that testosterone may play a protective role against stroke in men, while estrogen levels are not linked to stroke risk. The study followed 6,732 individuals over five to eight years and compared serum levels of testosterone and estrogen between men who experienced strokes and those who remained healthy.
Researchers identified four patients with involuntary movement disorders (IMDs) after being struck by lightning, sparking further study to elucidate the role of lightning strikes in IMDs and identify potential treatment options. The American Academy of Neurology is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research.
A population-based study found that waist-to-hip ratio was a stronger predictor of stroke risk than body mass index (BMI), especially among normal and overweight individuals. The study recommends incorporating education about waist-to-hip ratio into stroke prevention programs.
During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, gaining scope and depth of knowledge and comprehension but losing ability to acquire new sounds and speech patterns. Research on post-mortem cerebral cortexes reveals that nerve cells undergo pruning or streamlining during this period.
Researchers analyzed seasonal changes in immune system activity among 28 MS patients, finding more activated T-cells during autumn months. However, no significant variation was detected in lesions or relapse rates, challenging previous theories on the topic.
A study of 145 stroke patients found that those with lesions in the frontal, lenticulocapsular, and pontine base areas were more likely to experience uncontrolled anger and aggression. Emotional incontinence, sudden outbursts of emotion, was also commonly observed.
A recent study found that migraine prevalence in the US has remained stable over the past decade, with many sufferers relying on over-the-counter medications. The study suggests that millions of people could benefit from proper medical attention, which can lead to more effective treatment and improved quality of life.
A study by Robert A. Sweet MD establishes that Alzheimer's disease with psychosis (AD+P) may aggregate in families, suggesting a genetic link. The presence of psychotic symptoms in AD patients is also linked to aggressive behavior, rapid decline, and early institutionalization.
Two women with Parkinson's disease experienced hair loss while on dopamine agonists pramipexole and ropinirole. After discontinuing these medications and switching to new treatments, their hair growth resumed in both cases.
Researchers have found that treating inflammation in the trochlea tendon can relieve headache pain associated with migraines. In a study of five women with trochleitis, steroid injections produced relief from ocular pain and associated migraine symptoms within 48 to 72 hours.
A new study published in Neurology has demonstrated that the combination of clonidine and methylphenidate (Ritalin) is an effective treatment for children with ADHD and chronic tic disorders, with minimal side effects. The treatment was found to improve 'on task' behavior and attentiveness, while reducing symptoms of crying, frustratio...
A study published in Neurology found a link between blood doping and cerebral blood clots in cyclists. The combination of erythropoietin, growth hormone, and high-dose vitamin A use likely contributed to the condition.
A study by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia and others found that autistic patients have significantly smaller minicolumns, a basic organizational unit of brain cells, but more of them than controls. This may be consistent with an existing theory that autistic individuals suffer from overarousal and abnormal behaviors.
Researchers found a correlation between older adults' use of speech and their ability to gesture, with more words spoken leading to lower scores on pantomime tasks. The study suggests that speaking may interfere with gesture production or be used as a substitute response to activate gestures.
A new study has discovered subtle normal appearing brain tissue changes in first-degree relatives of patients with familial and sporadic Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These changes were not detectable using conventional MRI, but a new test called magnetization transfer imaging revealed the damage.
The American Academy of Neurology has reviewed new drugs for treating Parkinson's disease, but found that they do not offer significant advantages over existing treatments. Current treatment guidelines remain unchanged, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment decisions.
Researchers identify potential link between serotonin-enhancing drugs and increased risk of cerebrovascular syndrome (stroke). The study suggests that caution should be exercised when combining medications that contain serotonin enhancers, particularly in patients presenting with sudden-onset headaches.
A comprehensive survey of brain death diagnosis in adults worldwide reveals significant variations in procedures, including differences in required physicians, observation time, and confirmatory tests. These discrepancies may be due to collective decisions by task forces or cultural attitudes, highlighting the need for standardization.
Participation in leisure activities such as reading and socializing reduces risk of dementia by 38%. Intellectual activities show highest risk reduction, with an additional 8% benefit per activity engaged. High education and occupation levels also previously linked to reduced AD risk.
A collaborative study found that lifetime exposure to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be associated with better maintenance of cognitive function in older women free of dementia. The study included over 2,000 women aged 65 and older, who were followed for three years to assess changes in cognition and depression status.
A recent study found a significant association between low systolic blood pressure levels (below 130) and cognitive impairment in older patients with heart failure. The researchers suggest that routine management of heart failure should include assessment of cognitive performance to detect early signs of cognitive dysfunction.
A study published in Neurology found that electrical brain stimulation increased 'on' motor function by 29 percent and improved 'off' motor function by 38 percent in Parkinson's patients. The treatment reduced the severity of fluctuations in motor symptoms, allowing patients to complete tasks faster and improve their overall mobility.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found bupropion SR to be clinically effective for treating neuropathic pain. Approximately three-quarters of patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain symptoms with bupropion SR, while those on placebo saw little improvement.
A study of African-American residents aged 65 and older found that 23% had cognitive impairment without dementia, with rates increasing with age. The majority of cases lacked a medical cause, suggesting potential transient nature
Researchers found that 27% of special education students had tics, compared to 20% of regular students. Early recognition and treatment can improve performance and social development for affected children.
A new study has found that small head circumference coupled with the ApoE e4 gene variant significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that having a large 'brain reserve' may protect against the disease, with head circumference being one way to measure brain reserve.
Researchers studied brain lesions in children with tuberous sclerosis complex and found autism results from complex brain events, not single source. Biochemical abnormalities in outer layer of the brain impacted communication skills, while subcortical changes led to stereotypical behaviors.
Researchers have found a possible link between viral infections and a treatable form of ALS. Six patients with HIV developed symptoms of motor neuron disease after anti-HIV treatment, suggesting that the AIDS virus can cause a variant of classic ALS.
Researchers found that a cooling vest improved MS patient symptoms by reducing muscle strength and fatigue, as well as balance. Nitric oxide levels decreased significantly in patients receiving active cooling.
A study found that younger and more educated Parkinson's patients are more likely to use alternative treatments such as vitamins and acupuncture. These patients are also more likely to be married and have developed the disease at a younger age.
A study found that switching from a brand-name to a generic epilepsy medication, such as phenytoin, can lead to toxic side effects or loss of seizure control. The variation in the generic formulation can result in a significant decrease in the drug's effectiveness.
A new study found that estrogen patches can improve attention and memory skills in women with Alzheimer's disease. The research used estradiol, a type of estrogen shown to have an effect on the brain, and found significant improvements in attention and memory tests.
Men with constipation were nearly three times as likely to develop Parkinson's disease over the next 24 years compared to those without constipation. The study suggests a potential link between bowel movement frequency and the risk of developing Parkinson's, highlighting the importance of understanding how the disease progresses.
A US study of 415 people found that patients taking donepezil maintained their level of functioning 72% longer than those receiving a placebo. Another study involving 286 people in Scandinavia and the Netherlands showed similar results, highlighting donepezil's effectiveness in preserving daily activities.
A study found that adults with persistent developmental stuttering (PDS) have significantly larger right and left temporal lobes, and more irregularities in brain shape compared to controls. Sex and writing hand preference were also linked to anatomic features.