The American Academy of Neurology recommends using medications such as aspirin and clopidogrel, alongside statins and regular physical activity, to prevent a second stroke in people with intracranial atherosclerosis. This approach is more beneficial than placing a stent in the blood vessel.
A new study found that people who have atherothrombotic stroke and high triglyceride levels are at a higher risk of having another stroke or cardiovascular problems one year later. Statin medications can still be an effective treatment for high triglycerides, but diet modifications and exercise may also be necessary to reduce the risk.
Researchers found an association between certain cancers and Guillain-Barré syndrome, with people diagnosed with lymphomas, blood cancers, lung, prostate, or breast cancer having a higher risk. The study suggests that unidentified factors in several types of cancer may contribute to this increased risk.
A study found that people with poor scores on a simple memory test may have higher amounts of beta-amyloid in their brains and lower brain volume, suggesting early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The test can help detect cognitive decline before dementia diagnosis.
The AAN has issued an evidence-in-focus article on aducanumab, a treatment for early changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. The article notes that while aducanumab reduces amyloid plaques, its effects on symptoms and side effects are unclear.
A meta-analysis found that bridging therapy, combining intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, is associated with better chances of survival, functional independence, and robust blood flow returning to the brain after stroke. Researchers suggest this approach may be more effective than physical clot removal alone for peop...
A new study published in Neurology found that people with mild traumatic brain injuries are more likely to have cognitive impairment and cognitive decline one year after their injury. Researchers also discovered a link between poor cognitive outcomes and other symptoms like anxiety and lower life satisfaction.
The American Academy of Neurology's 74th Annual Meeting will feature over 2,400 posters and platform presentations on the latest neurologic research. In-person attendees must provide COVID-19 vaccination verification to attend.
A new study has found that Aboriginal Australians living in urban areas have high dementia rates comparable to those in remote areas. The study highlights the need for culturally appropriate and effective dementia risk reduction strategies due to ongoing social and health disparities.
A new study published in Neurology found that exposure to strep throat does not increase the risk of developing tics in children who have a parent or sibling with a chronic tic disorder. Researchers followed 259 children for an average of 1.6 years and found no association between strep infection and tic development.
A recent study found that individuals with Parkinson's disease who consume three or more servings per week of flavonoid-rich foods like berries, red wine, and tea have a lower chance of dying during the study period. Higher flavonoid consumption is associated with better survival rates in both men and women.
A study found that subtle changes in heart structure and function between early adulthood and middle age are associated with declines in thinking and memory skills. The research, published by the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that a single echocardiogram may help identify people at higher risk of cognitive impairment.
A new study suggests that regular exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease in people with early-stage symptoms. Those who engaged in moderate exercise for at least four hours a week experienced less trouble balancing, walking, and performing daily activities over time.
The American Academy of Neurology issues a position statement on how to navigate consent issues for people with stroke, emphasizing the importance of advance health care directives and surrogate decision makers. Neurologists may need to guide patients' wishes and make decisions based on their best interests when time is of the essence.
A new study suggests that midlife cardiovascular conditions and risk factors were associated with midlife cognitive decline, but the association is stronger for women. Certain cardiovascular conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, had stronger associations with cognitive decline in women compared to men.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a guideline on oral and topical treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy, updating the 2011 AAN guideline. The guideline recommends several drug classes, including tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentinoids, and sodium channel blockers.
A study of 75,322 people in France found a significant association between long-term formaldehyde exposure and lower levels of cognitive functioning. Workers exposed to formaldehyde for 22 years or longer had a 21% higher risk of global cognitive impairment compared to those who were never exposed.
The worldwide incidence and mortality rates for stroke decreased slightly over the three decades, but the overall numbers are still high. Ischemic stroke is highly preventable, and more resources should be devoted to prevention, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study found that air pollution in areas with high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can negate the benefits of vigorous physical activity on certain markers of brain disease. This includes reduced white matter hyperintensities and gray matter volume, indicating poorer brain health.
A new study found that kids, teens and young adults who spend more time outdoors during the summer months have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as children. The research also suggests that greater time spent outdoors in the first year of life is associated with lower odds of MS.
A new study reveals a link between brain lesions and long-term harm from repetitive head impacts. White matter hyperintensities, seen on brain scans, were associated with neuropathological changes, dementia, and CTE.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a guideline recommending treatment options for early Parkinson's disease, including levodopa as the best first treatment. The guideline also highlights potential side effects and risks associated with medications, such as dyskinesia and impulse-control disorders.
A new study found that people who consumed an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, and tea or coffee had a lower risk of developing dementia. The research showed that each one-point increase in dietary inflammatory score was associated with a 21% increase in dementia risk.
A new study found a significant increase in US Parkinson's disease deaths over the past two decades, with mortality rates twice as high in men as in women. White people were also more likely to die from the disease, potentially due to socioeconomic factors affecting access to healthcare.
Researchers found that small fiber neuropathy affects 13.3 per 100,000 people, with rates increasing over time. The condition is often associated with obesity, diabetes, insomnia, and heart attacks, highlighting the need for screening and prevention methods.
A new study suggests that vigorous exercise during leisure time is not associated with an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, intense physical activity at work hours was linked to a higher risk, possibly due to repetitive motion or exposure to chemicals. Moderate exercise, even after symptoms begi...
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women are underrepresented in stroke clinical trials, with a participation-to-prevalence ratio of 0.84. This disparity may limit the applicability of trial results to the general population and affect access to new therapies.
Researchers found that clot-busting drugs rarely cause aneurysms to rupture after a stroke. For people with larger saccular aneurysms, additional consideration should be taken regarding treatment to minimize risk of aneurysm rupture.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that people with diabetes who have had a stroke may benefit from maintaining blood sugar levels between 6.8% and 7.0% to lower the risk of future vascular events. The study found that those admitted to the hospital with A1C levels above 7.0% were at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.
A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found that adults with neurologic conditions are more likely to have had adverse childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect. The study suggests that early recognition of these high adverse childhood experiences may improve health outcomes for individuals with neurologic conditions.
A meta-analysis of 32 studies involving 10,243 participants found that adults and children with migraines have poorer sleep quality and shorter REM sleep times than those without migraines. Children with migraines also have less total sleep time, more wake time, and faster sleep onset.
Researchers surveyed 4,324 people with Parkinson's and found that many are unaware of all seven compensation strategies, but most who tried them reported positive effects. The study suggests a 'one-size-fits-all' approach doesn't work, emphasizing the need for personalized education on available strategies.
A new study published in Neurology shows that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and depression are more likely to die over the next decade than those with MS alone or neither condition. The study also found a higher risk of developing vascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke, among individuals with both MS and depression.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with lower scores on a dementia risk test may have lower thinking skills, more brain changes, and a higher risk of cognitive impairment. The study also showed associations between high scores on the test and poor memory function and markers of brain shrinkage in men.
Researchers found subtle and chronic changes in the brains of young athletes with a history of concussions, including sharper declines in blood flow and microstructural changes. These findings suggest that athletes with a concussion history should be closely watched for worsening effects from repeated injuries.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that immigrants to Canada have a significantly lower rate of stroke compared to long-term residents. The researchers analyzed medical records of over 8 million people and found that immigrants had a 33% lower risk of stroke, with the greatest reduction seen among older immigrants.
A new study published in Neurology shows that people who walk at least three to four hours a week after having a stroke may have a 54% lower risk of death. Exercise was found to be most beneficial for younger stroke survivors, with those under 75 years old experiencing an 80% reduced risk of death.
A meta-analysis found that people with metabolic syndrome are 46% more likely to have a second stroke than those without, with low HDL cholesterol being an independent risk factor. Additionally, individuals with metabolic syndrome were 27% more likely to die during the study.
A new study found that eating a diet rich in flavonoids may lower the risk of cognitive decline. Flavonoid-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and spices may have a protective effect on brain health.
A new study found that young soccer players experience more frequent head impacts during practice, while game time may result in greater magnitude impacts. Technical training activities like heading the ball were associated with an average impact rate of 13.7 head impacts per player hour.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with migraines experienced more dizziness and motion sickness during virtual roller coaster rides compared to those without migraines. Brain scans revealed abnormal nerve cell activity in areas responsible for visual processing and motor activity.
A study of 1,978 people with an average age of 80 found that those who engaged in cognitively stimulating activities such as reading and playing card games delayed the onset of Alzheimer's dementia by up to five years. The research suggests that it may be beneficial to start doing these things, even in your 80s.
The American Academy of Neurology provides ethical guidance for neurologists caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The position statement emphasizes the importance of respecting patient autonomy, involving families in care decisions, and addressing ethnic disparities in dementia diagnosis and treatment.
A modified ketogenic diet was found to be safe and feasible for people with brain tumors called astrocytomas. The diet led to changes in metabolism in the body and brain, including decreased hemoglobin A1c levels, increased lean body mass, and alterations in brain metabolites.
A new study found that high-efficacy multiple sclerosis drugs are more effective in reducing flare-ups and modifying progression compared to low-efficacy drugs. Participants with active secondary progressive MS who received high-efficacy medications experienced 30% fewer relapses and an average of 0.17 relapses per year.
A new study published in Neurology found that despite lower socioeconomic status, Black people with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have more disability than white peers. The study discovered smaller brain lesions and slower cognitive and physical processing speeds among Black participants.
A new study published in Neurology found that trying more than one time to remove blood clots during endovascular treatments for ischemic strokes was associated with increased disability and brain damage. Researchers suggest aiming for a single attempt at removal with new devices, highlighting the need for further development.
Researchers identified a new gene, TP73, associated with an increased risk of sporadic ALS. Mutations in this gene have been found to interfere with nerve cell health and lead to abnormal cell differentiation and increased cell death. This discovery provides a potential target for therapy development.
Research shows that Native Americans and Alaska Natives have the highest prevalence of migraine and headache disorders, while Black men receive the least care. The article proposes solutions to address these disparities through clinical strategies, professional training, and research initiatives.
Researchers found significant improvement in motor symptoms and reduction in medications 15 years after deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease patients. The study also showed a reduction in dyskinesia and 'off state' episodes, improving quality of life.