Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect approximately one in four people living with HIV, causing symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Researchers have found elevated levels of microRNAs affecting brain development, providing a potential biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
A clinical study showed that patients wearing a smart walking assist immediately improved their locomotor abilities and could perform daily activities without support. The algorithm tailors assistance to each patient based on leg movement, stride length, and muscle activity to promote natural walking patterns.
Researchers at McGill University have shown that practice can alter the way the brain uses sensory information, including visual perception. By temporarily deactivating a critical brain region, subjects who practiced with moving lines were able to perceive motion despite the region's inactivation.
Researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid from Ebola survivors and found no viral RNA, but the results may suggest potential for dormant virus transmission. The findings highlight the need for monitoring EVD survivors for neurologic symptoms suggesting relapse in the CNS.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a modified skin biopsy technique to hasten the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis, a rare and lethal nerve disease. The test, which detects protein clumps in skin samples, shows promise for more rapid clinical trials and improved treatment options.
Researchers developed FAST - a fast whole-brain imaging system that can visualize individual cells and subcellular structures in the entire brain. This technique allows for faster comparison of multiple brains to gain new insights into brain diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that measuring two proteins in the blood can accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder in approximately 75% of children. The diagnostic accuracy increases to 82% when both proteins are measured together.
Researchers used mathematics and MRI to better understand how neurological disorders affect brain connections. They discovered sub-networks called eigenmodes, which communicate information between brain regions.
A new brain network model suggests that understanding brain connections and structure can help predict how brain function changes after injury. The study identified key white matter pathways and lesions responsible for network disruptions, which could lead to more accurate treatment plans and therapeutic targets.
A new brain imaging study by CAMH researchers shows that brain inflammation is more than 30% higher in people with OCD compared to those without the condition. The study provides compelling evidence for a new potential direction for treating this anxiety disorder.
A new disease gene, MCM3AP, has been identified as causing early-onset axonal neuropathy and mild intellectual disability in multiple families worldwide. The gene was discovered using a global genetic matching platform, connecting patients and researchers from Finland to countries like Australia, Canada, Turkey, and Belgium.
The Child Mind Institute has released a comprehensive open dataset from the Healthy Brain Network study, featuring behavioral and cognitive assessments, brain imaging, genetics, and more. This dataset will enable researchers to identify biomarkers for childhood mental health disorders and develop new diagnostic tools.
A new robotic tool has been introduced for assessing muscle overactivity and movement dysfunction in stroke survivors. The robotic-assisted rehabilitation therapy is expected to improve the mobility of patients surviving a stroke.
Researchers found strong association between cognitive decline and small blood vessel disease in the brain, with 61% of older adults having at least one component of the condition. The study, part of the Atahualpa Project, suggests that vascular neurology may be an important factor in stroke and neurological disorders in Latin America.
A new study published in Nature Communications identifies specific neurons in the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex that encode perceived and memorized information. The researchers found that these neurons can signal whether a representation is real or imaginary, which may help treat disorders like schizophrenia.
Neurofibromatosis type I, an inherited disorder affecting brain development and function, will be studied by Assistant Professor Seth Tomchik. The disease predisposes individuals to behavioral symptoms such as ADHD, autism-like symptoms, learning disabilities, and chronic pain.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments engage the same brain system involved in everyday identification tasks. This finding may lead to new approaches to reduce medical errors by decreasing attentional focus during diagnosis.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that US military service members who experienced a mild concussion after blast injury may continue to experience mental health symptoms and decreased quality of life for at least five years. The study also highlights the need for more effective, long-term treatment strategies.
Researchers created 3D brain organoids that replicate human forebrain circuitry, revealing the role of cell migration in autism. They successfully corrected defective neuron migration using a drug, paving the way for personalized treatments.
A study led by Dr. Juan Pascual found that a modified Atkins diet can help reduce seizures and improve patients' long-term health. Clinical trials testing an edible oil derived from castor beans may also improve cognitive abilities in patients with Glut1 deficiency.
Researchers developed nondestructive nanowire technology to record electrical activity of neurons with high sensitivity and resolution. The technology enables simultaneous measurement of multiple neurons and can isolate individual signals, paving the way for accelerated drug development and better understanding of brain function.
A team of researchers has identified the cause of a rare genetic disorder known as dystonia, which affects 70,000 people in the UK. The study found that mutations in the hippocalcin gene lead to overactivation of specific calcium channels, causing abnormal neuronal signaling and movement disorders.
Researchers grew stem cells from children with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease to understand the genetic causes of common symptoms. The study identified defects in brain cell function linked to patient genetics, suggesting distinct subgroups requiring different clinical approaches.
A US study reveals that the annual cost of neurological diseases in the US is nearly $800 billion, with an estimated $600 billion to be spent on stroke and dementia treatment by 2030. The study emphasizes the need for increased funding to develop treatments and cures for these conditions.
Researchers found activation of maternal immune system during pregnancy alters expression of key genes and processes associated with autism, leading to potential neurological repercussions. MIA-induced effects involve single genes and pathways essential for early fetal neurodevelopment.
Researchers have discovered a critical finding about Alexander disease, a rare and fatal neurological disorder. Using mouse models, they found that the GFAP protein behind the symptoms is broken down more rapidly than previously thought.
A study found a link between defects in non-coding DNA and severe language impairment, as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders. Variants in the 3'UTRome region of the genome were associated with changes in protein expression, which may contribute to these conditions.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mice scratch in response to seeing other mice scratch due to the release of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a key transmitter of itch signals. This behavior is hardwired into the brain and not a form of empathy.
Researchers discovered that dendrites, a key component of neurons, generate nearly 10 times more electrical spikes than somas, challenging the long-held belief in neural computation. The finding may pave the way for treating neurological disorders and developing brain-like computers.
Researchers will measure circulating biomarkers in over 17,000 persons enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study to identify new biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease. The goal is to develop a gold standard for early detection and intervention with treatment.
Researchers assessed 6,711 adults with periodontal disease for 15 years and found participants with mild, moderate or severe gum disease were 1.9-2.2 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than those without periodontal disease. The association was strongest in cardioembolic and thrombotic stroke subtypes.
A large imaging study of over 3200 people confirms that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with delayed development of five brain regions, supporting the notion that it is a brain disorder. The study found differences in brain volume across all age groups, but most pronounced in children.
Researchers identified a mutation in UNC13 protein associated with autism spectrum disorder, hyperactivity, and dyskinesia. The mutation disturbed fine-tuning of neuronal communication, leading to enhanced synaptic strength and increased neurotransmission.
Research suggests males are more likely to be diagnosed with dyslexia, possibly due to differences in reading performance and processing speed. Variability in processing speed may also contribute to co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Researchers at TGen identified a novel mutation in brain protein CASK that causes physical abnormalities and developmental delays in children. The study found a nearly 40% diagnosis rate among 440 sequenced genomes, offering insights into rare medical disorders.
Dr. McCullough will investigate the effects of social isolation on stroke damage and recovery using miRNAs. The study aims to develop new therapies reducing disability in patients after a stroke.
Researchers developed novel brain-mapping techniques to identify subtle changes in skull and brain shapes, giving a greater insight into conditions. The study focused on Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed and identified characteristics that cause painful Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia disorder.
Researchers analyzed a large dataset of brain images from over 500 individuals to identify correlations between brain cortical anatomy and the Big Five personality traits. High levels of neuroticism were associated with increased thickness in certain regions, while openness was linked to reduced thickness and increased area and folding.
A study published in Addiction Biology found that long-term heavy drinking in adolescents alters brain electrical activity, particularly in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission system. This alteration may be detrimental to a developing brain, warranting tighter diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders.
Researchers developed a multiregional brain-on-a-chip to study how diseases impact different regions of the brain. The model characterized differences between neurons from distinct brain regions and mimicked system connectivity.
Scientists have developed a new technique to examine blood vessels in the brain using 3D Image Analysis, allowing for greater understanding of how diseases like dementia, brain cancer, and stroke affect veins and capillaries. This innovative method could help identify early warning signs of these illnesses, potentially saving lives.
Neuroscientists identify key brain areas responsible for delusional misidentification syndromes, a group of rare disorders where patients mistake people or places for imposters. The study's findings may help patients' families cope with the condition and improve treatment options.
Researchers challenged a popular autism hypothesis by studying brain responses to repeated visual and tactile stimuli. The findings showed that brain responses were as stable as those of healthy controls, contradicting the idea that unreliable brain activity causes autism symptoms.
Dr. Tracy L. Bale is recognized for her work deciphering genes, circuits, and epigenetic mechanisms contributing to stress dysregulation in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases. Her research investigates the impact of early life events on brain development and disease susceptibility.
A new UCLA study confirms and extends earlier findings that the brains of people with autism have a distinctive pattern of unusual gene activity. This abnormality suggests possible targets for future autism drugs, and provides insights into brain development during the first decade of life.
Elyn Saks, a professor of law and psychology at USC, received the ACNP Media Award for her tireless efforts to educate the public about mental illness. Her work, including her memoir The Center Cannot Hold, has helped advance compassionate care and legal protections for people with mental illness.
Dr. Martin M. Katz has been recognized with the ACNP Paul Hoch Distinguished Service Award for his over 50 years of dedication to the organization and its mission. He made significant contributions to the theoretical understanding of antidepressant mechanisms, serving on key committees and editing notable publications.
Dr. David Glahn, a Yale University professor, has been awarded the Joel Elkes Research Award by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology for his groundbreaking research in neuropsychopharmacology. His work focuses on identifying potential biomarkers and understanding heritability, disease associations, and risk genes.
A study found that musical training increases brain fiber connections in children, particularly in the minor forceps area of the frontal cortex, which is linked to cognitive abilities and disorders like autism and ADHD. This new understanding may lead to targeted strategies for intervention.
Research reveals that over 68% of individuals with different types of autism share a common set of epigenetic modifications in the brain. This finding suggests that a single global epigenetic pattern could underlie diverse manifestations of the psychiatric disease. Epigenetic drugs may hold potential as novel treatments for ASD.
Philip A. Wolf, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has been recognized for his excellence in research and clinical trials by the American Heart Association. He is renowned for his work on stroke epidemiology, dementia, and cognitive decline, with over 350 publications to his name.
A new study found that adolescents with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop substance use disorders if they have lower gray matter volume in the brain. The researchers discovered different patterns of gray matter reductions in females and males, highlighting the importance of sex differences in neuroscience research.
Dr. Michael E. Charness has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of alcohol on the nervous system and has developed drugs that block alcohol toxicity. He is a leading expert in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and has cared for patients with neurological disorders throughout his career.
A study of 903 children with autism spectrum disorder found that they have more harmful mitochondrial DNA mutations than their unaffected siblings. These mutations can be inherited from the mother or result from spontaneous mutation during development, increasing the risk of neurological and developmental problems.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to correct the faulty NPC1 gene in mice with Niemann-Pick disease type C1, improving symptoms and lifespan. The treatment has the potential to halt disease progression and improve quality of life for patients.
A Duke University study found that three genetic causes of microcephaly in mice share a common mechanism, involving the regulation of p53 protein. The research may improve understanding of microcephaly, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
A single mutated gene, SNORD118, has been found to cause leukoencephalopathy with calcification and cysts (LCC), a progressive white matter degeneration in the brain. This discovery opens up possibilities for genetic testing and future treatments.
Researchers at National Institute for Physiological Sciences have discovered that microglia, immune cells in the brain, directly contact neurons to form new connections and strengthen brain connectivity. This finding could deepen understanding of developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have unraveled the mechanism by which DYT1 dystonia causes cellular defects, linking it to dysregulation of lipids. The findings may lead to new medical approaches to overcome this poorly understood condition.
Astrocyte calcium signaling properties studied in visual cortex to understand their role in brain function and potential involvement in multiple brain disorders. The study aims to shed light on fundamental properties of astrocytes, providing a baseline for comparing and testing their role in brain disorders.