A retrospective cohort study of 28,311 COVID-19 patients in Germany found a significant association between dementia and increased risk of death. The association was weaker than previously reported studies, suggesting potential changes in the impact of dementia on COVID-19 mortality over time.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland suggests that previous traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly in individuals without a genetic mutation. Patients who suffered head injuries developed FTD earlier than others, on average.
The latest research evidence suggests that inflammation may play a causative role in Parkinson's disease. Multiple independent studies have provided evidence of the involvement of central and peripheral immune and inflammatory processes in PD, with increasing evidence suggesting an association with autoimmune conditions.
A survey by UCI MIND found that media coverage of the FDA's decision made people less willing to volunteer for Alzheimer's pharmaceutical trials. The study highlights the powerful influence of media coverage on scientific research and emphasizes the need for diverse populations in clinical trials.
The FDA approved Aduhelm for Alzheimer's treatment based on reduced amyloid levels in the brain, despite no significant clinical effect. The use of amyloid-PET scans is being questioned for its accuracy and reliability in measuring amyloid removal.
A new study found that children with four copies of the SMN2 gene who received pre-symptomatic treatment showed no symptoms, while untreated patients developed irreversible symptoms. The researchers recommend encouraging early intervention in childhood for these patients to avoid potential deficits.
Research suggests exercise-induced activation of peripheral systems, such as muscle, gut, and liver, may affect neural plasticity and cognitive health. Circulating cathepsin B (CTSB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) have been found to possess robust neuroprotective effects.
A recent study found that people with dementia are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality due to underlying health conditions. The research identified risk factors such as comorbidities, anxiety, and delayed symptom recognition.
A large study of over 296,000 patients found that being overweight was negatively associated with dementia in women, while underweight was positively linked to an increased risk of dementia in men. The results suggest that moderate weight gain may be beneficial for cognitive health in older women.
This special collection of articles explores the 'dark side' of Alzheimer's Disease, revealing new biomarkers for brain hyperexcitability and its impact on vigilance and sleep-wake cycle. The findings provide a foundation for an extended model to speed up research lines and discovery.
A comprehensive review found that interventions connecting transition-age youth with disabilities to employment set the stage for a lifetime of contributions. Nearly every intervention had a positive impact on youth employment status, with direct job placement being particularly successful.
The study found that engaging in physical activity reduced the decline in global and domain-specific cognitive function over time, particularly in women. The researchers recommend highlighting the benefits of physical activity to promote brain health and encourage patients to participate. Dr. Geda and Dr. Krell-Roesch are joint recipie...
Researchers from Japan and the US share new technologies and blood biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer and identify high-risk individuals. The findings aim to decrease cancer mortality rates by developing attractive new methods for early diagnosis.
The authors of a Call to Action emphasize the value of incorporating patient perspectives in clinical Parkinson's disease studies and recommend how to include patient researchers effectively. Patient involvement can help design better studies, ensure tolerable protocols, and improve research outcomes. However, specific challenges must ...
Most swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) resolve within two months after spine surgery, but perception may persist for longer. Patients with chronic increased neck tissue thickness do not show impairments on x-ray testing despite dysphagia symptoms.
A multidisciplinary clinical pathway for functional neurological disorder (FND) patients has been successfully implemented at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. The approach optimizes patient care through collaboration among healthcare professionals. This study aims to provide a roadmap for other institutions and encourage broader deve...
A Baycrest-led study found that point-of-care screening for hearing loss in memory clinic patients increased physicians' awareness and led to more frequent referrals for hearing help. The study demonstrated the feasibility and value of hearing screening for older adults at risk for dementia.
A new report in NeuroRehabilitation found significant variability in prior Functional Movement Disorder studies, particularly in the use of inclusion criteria. The authors propose potential fixes to develop evidence-based diagnostic criteria.
Researchers propose various approaches using AI, deep learning, and machine learning to improve the accuracy and predictive power of biomarkers for cancer and other diseases. The tools have shown promising applications in identifying early-stage cancers, inferring the site of specific cancers, and predicting response to immunotherapy.
The Bárány Society has developed a comprehensive curriculum to promote high-quality vestibular training for healthcare professionals. The curriculum sets out a framework of suggested topics and skills, covering anatomy, physiology, and physics, as well as history taking, bedside examination, ancillary testing, disorders, treatment, and...
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to accelerated change in the workplace, with flexible hybrids of the WFH mode emerging and evolving. Research studies have explored lessons learned about WFH, drawing conclusions about challenges and opportunities, and making recommendations for optimizing experiences and outcomes.
A new study on culture and cognition found that long-term Hispanic immigrants who were less acculturated performed significantly worse on cognitive function tests than their highly acculturated peers. The study assessed the acculturation levels and cognitive function of over 600 Hispanics age 60 or older.
A novel biomarker, interleukin-6 (IL-6), has been identified as a potential severity biomarker for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Elevated IL-6 levels correlate with disease severity in FSHD patients, suggesting its use in assessing disease progression and evaluating treatment efficacy.
This special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine showcases recent advances in spina bifida care management, education, and research. The article highlights the need for inclusive and culturally competent services, as well as innovative approaches to address challenges such as limited access and fragmented care.
Non-invasive brain microcurrent stimulation therapy significantly improves cognition and reverses visual field loss in two patients with long-COVID, reducing vascular dysregulation. Cognitive impairments such as fatigue and short-term memory loss are reversed within three to four days.
During the second lockdown, patients and loved ones experienced fewer psychosocial problems, such as anxiety, compared to the first lockdown. Social support from family and friends played an important role in reducing negative feelings like loneliness and sadness.
This special issue celebrates the career of Professor Terence Partridge, who has enriched our understanding of skeletal muscle cell biology and muscular dystrophy. His research led to the development of therapeutic approaches for neuromuscular diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
A new study found a 23% decline in serious cognitive impairment among older American women between 2008 and 2017, with men experiencing a 13% decline. The decline was attributed to generational differences in educational attainment, which continues to have long-term benefits on later-life cognitive functioning.
The Adult North Star Network's guidelines aim to improve quality of life for adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by addressing complex medical needs such as cardiac failure, weight loss, and renal dysfunction. The consensus-based recommendations also highlight gaps in current care and call for further research.
A recent special issue of Human Systems Management explores how higher education can prepare students for the modern labor market. The research highlights the importance of developing knowledge-driven competitiveness, entrepreneurial thinking, and human rights for education and work.
Researchers highlight the importance of sharing well-conducted studies with negative or irreproducible results, even if they disprove a hypothesis. The Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases special issue on 'The Null Hypothesis' presents eight articles that contribute valuable information to the scientific record.
A special collection of articles reviews the application of photobiomodulation therapy for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other brain conditions. The therapy has been shown to promote microcirculation, cellular proliferation, and regeneration, reducing pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
International experts discuss the clinical and therapeutic applications of neuropsychological assessment, highlighting its contributions to neurorehabilitation and cognitive performance. The articles explore performance validity testing, teleneuropsychology, and the nexus of neuropsychology and neuroimaging.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has defined four major areas of action to reduce health disparities and advance treatments for everyone with PD. The foundation is launching a new funding opportunity to study incidence, etiology, and pathology in underrepresented populations.
Researchers highlight current strategies to restore lost function and replace what is lost in the PD brain, including cell and gene therapy approaches. Pioneering trials face regulatory and ethical challenges that require incremental development and step-wise optimization of products.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases found that starting treatment with an ACE inhibitor as soon as cardiac function drops below normal reduces the risk of severe cardiomyopathy and heart failure in BMD patients. Early treatment significantly improves long-term cardiac outcomes, reducing hospitalizations for h...
Researchers found that patients taking omega-3 supplements showed stable memory function compared to those in the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in biomarkers in spinal fluid samples. The study provides valuable insights into the potential effects of omega-3 on Alzheimer's disease.
A new European survey sheds light on the lives of people with Parkinson's disease and their carers, revealing a wide range of non-motor symptoms affecting quality of life. The study highlights the importance of individualized management and improved clinical practice in addressing the unique challenges faced by patients and caregivers.
A new study found that patients with advanced Parkinson's disease are at higher risk of contracting and suffering from respiratory illnesses like influenza and pneumonia. Neurologists are advised to actively encourage vaccinations for these patients, particularly in the light of COVID-19.
A new study published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that dementia-related deaths have increased over the past 20 years, becoming the most common cause of death among people diagnosed with dementia. The growth may reflect improved diagnostic rates and a greater understanding of dementia as a fatal disease.
A special issue of Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation promotes full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community. Key findings include the importance of multicultural competency, empowering coalitions, and family input in rehabilitation services.
This special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores the challenges of healthcare disparity and limitations of access in cerebral palsy care. Experts provide practical insights and recommendations to optimize enablement, functioning, and participation for all patients with CP.
Experts warn that digital government research and practice have neglected women's digital needs, leading to a persistent gender gap. The authors call for a comprehensive approach to include male authors discussing gender issues, collect gender-sensitive data, and design services accordingly.
Leading scholars propose new frameworks for environmental governance, citing structural problems in current laws and international law-making processes. They advocate for a new environmental charter, reviving the United Nations Trusteeship Council, and strengthening the UN Environment Programme to address pressing global challenges.
The Treatabolome project is an EU initiative that seeks to deliver rare disease and gene-specific treatment information to healthcare professionals. Systematic reviews on various rare neurological disorders are now available, providing a foundation for the platform's database.
A survey by Parkinson's UK found that patients prioritize symptom improvement for balance, walking, and cognitive function. The study highlights the importance of person-centered management and care for improving quality of life.
A new study expands evaluation of gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease. Treatment with onasemnogene abeparvovec is associated with an immune response, but showed no long-term adverse effects.
Prof. Zeleny proposes new systems, such as Integrated Productive Environments (IPE), to help human systems evolve and thrive in a rapidly changing world. He emphasizes the need for competent cooperation, multidisciplinary education, and adaptable management strategies to overcome the challenges of disequilibrium.
Researchers highlight the effectiveness of music-based interventions in neurorehabilitation, including improvements in sensorimotor, speech/language, and cognitive functions. Studies show that music therapy can enhance executive functioning, affective responding, and motor skills in patients with post-stroke cognition and autism.
A special supplement to the journal WORK explores the latest advances in comfort research, highlighting the importance of human behavior in determining comfort. The studies examined various factors, including the impact of posture, movement, and environmental conditions on comfort.