Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
A comprehensive evidence review on tethered spinal cord found that while surgery can benefit symptomatic patients, data for asymptomatic patients is lacking. The study also highlights the need for more research into conservative management and potential risks of surgical complications.
A study found that 4.6% of Nigerian participants with COVID-19 experienced neurologic symptoms, with some still experiencing symptoms two years after their initial episode. Researchers plan to treat these patients using similar techniques used in the US, aiming to alleviate their suffering.
A study in mice reveals that individualistic reward-seeking strategies predict responses to nicotine, with profiles influenced by personality traits and dopamine activity. The findings suggest environmental adaptations shape behavioral traits and sensitivity to nicotine, potentially contributing to addiction susceptibility.
A new study in mice shows a unique mRNA delivery method can successfully edit faulty genes in fetal brain cells. The technology has the potential to stop progression of genetic-based neurodevelopmental conditions like Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome before birth.
A new therapeutic approach combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lucid dreaming has shown promise in reducing nightmare severity and frequency in patients with narcolepsy. The study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found overall reductions in nightmare symptoms in all six participants tested.
Scientists have identified a key driver of brain inflammation in neurological diseases, proposing a new treatment approach by neutralizing fibrin. This protein, involved in blood coagulation, triggers neurologic diseases by hijacking the immune system, resulting in damaged neurons.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the rare autoimmune disease anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can cause psychosis, hallucinations, and blackouts. The study found that different antibodies bind to NMDA receptors in unique ways, suggesting personalized medicine may be key to treating the condition.
Glioblastoma, the most malignant primary brain tumour, has an 18-month median survival rate despite treatment. New research from the University of Ottawa suggests a drug used to slow ALS progression may also suppress glioblastoma's self-renewing cancerous stem cells.
New research confirms that young adults are at risk for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic strokes, which were previously thought to occur mainly in older adults. The study found that nearly 20% of a cohort of 1,200 young adult patients had these strokes, highlighting the need for regular check-ups and prompt treatment.
A University of Michigan-led study found that treatment with either modafinil or cognitive behavioral therapy alone was associated with significant reductions in fatigue over 12 weeks. A combination of both treatments worked as well as each individual treatment but did not result in better fatigue scores.
Researchers are creating microphysiological systems to simulate infection and treatment in vitro, linking human lung and brain tissue models. This project aims to explore the relationship between respiratory diseases and neurological symptoms, potentially leading to new treatments.
Studies show that the cerebellum is critical for forming stable memories for sensorimotor skills, largely independent of short-term memory systems. Researchers found that longer time intervals between trials increased reliance on impaired long-term memory.
A new study found that toxic SOD1 protein trimers interact with various proteins in different tissues, contributing to cellular dysfunction and degeneration in ALS. Septin-7 is identified as a potential therapeutic target, potentially slowing or disrupting ALS progression.
Researchers found that two human-specific genes, SRGAP2B and SRGAP2C, regulate the SYNGAP1 gene involved in autism spectrum disorder. The study provides a direct link between human brain evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A randomised clinical trial shows that integrating physiotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy is effective in improving symptoms and physical aspects of the quality of life of patients with functional movement disorders. The study suggests this approach could be cost-effective and opens up new lines of research.
A team of scientists, led by Anne Bang, is working to establish clearer connections between genes and their effects on brain function and mental health. They will use high-throughput screening technology to study over 100 genes in brain cells.
A UCLA-led study has mapped DNA modification in the developing human brain, shedding light on how gene regulation evolves and shapes lifelong mental health. The research provides new insights into early brain development and its connection to neuropsychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study sheds light on why paternal mitochondrial DNA is eliminated during development. The research found that delaying this process can lead to lasting neurological and behavioral problems in adults. Treatments such as Vitamin K2 may offer new hope for preventing or treating these disorders.
Researchers identify modifiable determinants of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) in older adults. A higher BMI was associated with lower CBF and longer ATT, while cardiorespiratory fitness linked to longer ATT in specific brain regions.
Damage to the brainstem, the brain's control centre, is behind long-lasting physical and psychiatric effects of severe Covid-19 infection. Researchers used ultra-high-resolution scanners to observe the damaging effects of Covid-19 on the brain, finding inflammation in key regions associated with breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety.
A study by UC San Francisco found that more screen time is associated with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, and aggression in 9-10 year olds. The effects were small but consistent, with activities like video chatting and playing video games strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
Researchers have identified liver X receptor beta as a promising target for treating depression and anxiety, with key findings including LXRβ's role in regulating neurotransmission and neurogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for treatment-resistant depression and personalized medicine approaches in psychiatry.
Incident stroke accelerates long-term cognitive decline in older stroke survivors. The study using pooled data from 14 cohorts found a significant association between stroke and accelerated cognitive decline.
Researchers have created the largest and most complete map of the fruit fly brain, detailing over 50 million connections between neurons. The study provides critical information about brain wiring and underlying signals, paving the way for future studies on larger-brained animals.
Researchers have made a promising breakthrough in understanding the origins of mirror movements disorder by identifying the cellular mechanism behind the condition. A defect in axon guidance is revealed to be the underlying cause of the disorder, which can lead to difficulties in performing tasks requiring left-right coordination.
A study published in JACC demonstrates that subclinical atherosclerosis burden and progression independently predict death from any cause. Asymptomatic individuals with high carotid plaque burden and coronary artery calcification are at increased risk of mortality.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that subclinical atherosclerosis is independently associated with the risk of dying from any cause. The study also showed that monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis can improve the prediction and prevention of death from any cause.
A team of scientists has identified a new genetic mutation in the SGIP1 gene that may cause early-onset Parkinsonism. The mutation affects brain cell communication, leading to synaptic dysfunction and recessive Parkinsonism. This discovery provides new insights into the disease's development and potential treatment strategies.
Researchers found that weekend warrior and regular physical activity patterns were associated with substantially lower risks of over 200 diseases. Weekend warrior activity was found to be just as effective at decreasing risk as more evenly distributed exercise activity.
A cohort study found a significant association between maternal influenza infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood seizures. The study suggests that maternal influenza may affect childhood neurological development, particularly for febrile seizures, but not epilepsy.
UTHealth Houston researchers are exploring new pathways to treat Alzheimer's disease through multiple projects funded by the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium. Studies aim to investigate ACSL4 gene, delirium's impact on disease progression, biological aging, and noninvasive diagnosis methods.
A clinical trial found that an oral cancer drug reduced nosebleed severity and improved quality of life in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The PATH-HHT study showed significant improvements in disease manifestations, including severe nosebleeds and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding.
Researchers developed a multi-variable model called Hear-MHE that analyzes speech patterns to identify symptoms of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. The test shows promise in predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy and could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment.
A recent study by FAU researchers links copper regulation to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. The team discovered that a specific gene, swip-10, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of copper in cells, which can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
The NEXUS exposomics coordinating center aims to deepen understanding of how environmental and social determinants impact health. Led by USC's Rima Habre, the center brings together diverse scientists to study place-based exposures using geospatial methods.
Scientists at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences have discovered a protein complex that regulates phospholipid scrambling, a process important for blood clotting and unwanted cell removal. The finding could lead to new treatments for diseases like epilepsy and anemia.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully used gene therapy to improve vision in 11 out of 12 patients with Bothnia dystrophy, a form of hereditary blindness. The treatment involved injecting a specially designed virus under the retina, which produced normal protein and restored visual function.
Research found a positive association between outdoor nighttime light pollution and Alzheimer's disease prevalence, particularly in those under 65. Higher light intensity was associated with greater AD prevalence in this age group, suggesting they may be more vulnerable to the effects of light exposure.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified a protein called OSER1 that influences longevity in various animals and humans. The discovery opens up possibilities for understanding age-related diseases and developing new drug targets.
A clinical trial led by UC San Francisco aims to develop new therapies for progressive supranuclear palsy, with a focus on reducing time to find effective treatments and increasing diverse participant enrollment. The five-year grant could lead to the first effective drugs for this incurable neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers led by Daniela Vallentin successfully rewired zebra finches' brains using optogenetics, expanding their vocal repertoire. The findings have implications for human aging and potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and learning impairments.
A study published in The EMBO Journal reveals that PQBP3 plays a crucial role in stabilizing the nuclear membrane, which is destabilized in senescent cells and contributes to neurodegenerative disorders. PQBP3's dysfunction may lead to the degradation of Lamin B1, a protein essential for maintaining the nuclear membrane.
Researchers discovered that the blood coagulation protein fibrin causes unusual clotting and inflammation in COVID-19, suppressing the body's ability to clear the virus. A promising therapeutic strategy has been identified, targeting fibrin to combat these deleterious effects.
Researchers at Åbo Akademi University have discovered a crucial protein, TLNRD1, that helps maintain blood vessel stability in the brain. The study highlights the potential for targeted molecular therapies to improve patient outcomes in CCM disease.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that pesco-vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of mortality and certain neurological conditions in elderly individuals. The study analyzed data from over 88,000 subjects and found that pesco-vegetarians had an 18% lower risk of death compared to non...
Researchers found that people with chronic diabetes complications are up to three times more likely to have a mental health condition, while those with mental health disorders are up to two and a half times more likely to experience sustained diabetes complications. The study highlights the importance of screening for both risk factors.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.
A scoping review from the University of Gothenburg found that music-based movement therapy, known as the Ronnie Gardiner Method, can improve rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with brain disorders. The method has been shown to be challenging, motivating, and enjoyable for participants, leading to improved recovery and quality of life.
A new study has identified six genetic regions associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a chronic neurological syndrome affecting gait, memory, and bladder control. The study provides new insights into the genetic background of NPH, which remains unclear despite previous research.
Researchers at CUNY ASRC identify distinct histone tag in adult oligodendrocyte progenitor cells that regulates their proliferation and may lead to innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery holds promise for advancing myelin repair and improving patient outcomes.
Parents who struggle with alcohol use disorders can pass along symptoms of early aging to their children, affecting them well into adulthood. These accelerated aging effects include high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early onset dementia.
A new study found that mTORC1 activity correlates with classical biometrics, such as height and macrocephaly, as well as specific neuropsychiatric diseases like anxiety and autism. The research suggests that human variability of mTORC1 gain of function may predict medication response.
A study published in Cardiovascular Diabetology found that higher blood glucose levels at admission significantly increase the risk of a poor functional prognosis or death within three months of an ischemic stroke. The study revealed that even a 10% increase in glucose levels raises the risk by 7%, and mortality risk by 88%.
Researchers found that dopamine treatment increased neprilysin levels and reduced beta-amyloid plaques in mouse brains, improving memory function. Long-term L-DOPA treatment also showed improved cognitive performance in mice.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method called CaST to track the activation of brain neurons and biomolecules by psychedelic drugs. The tool allows scientists to study the cellular mechanisms behind psychedelic treatments for brain disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers identified a common genetic variation that appears to protect against ALS by reducing levels of a protein blocking the IGF-1 signaling pathway. This finding suggests a potential new approach to targeting IGF-1 as a treatment for ALS.
The PD GENEration study has found that 13% of participants have a genetic form of Parkinson's disease, significantly higher than previous estimates. The study, which reached its goal of 15,000 participants ahead of schedule, provides insights into the genetics of the disease and its potential for precision medicine.
A new study using live mice and influenza virus sheds light on how maternal immune response affects fetal brain development. Researchers found that only a subset of severe infections can cause changes in the developing fetal brain, increasing the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
A preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that the iron-chelating drug deferiprone can selectively target and kill ovarian cancer cells. By starving cancer cells of iron, deferiprone triggers a cellular stress response, prompting the immune system to attack them.
Viji Santhakumar, a UCR professor, has been awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to study brain circuit function and its impact on memory formation and cognitive deficits in diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.