Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals the Epstein-Barr virus can damage the brain and contribute to multiple sclerosis through molecular mimicry. The researchers found that cross-reactive T cells are significantly more common in people with MS, and targeting these cells may lead to new treatments.
JMIR Publications' JMIR Neurotechnology journal now accepts submissions on novel technological advances for neurological disorders. Researchers can submit review articles exploring emerging technologies, such as neurofeedback, neurosurgery, and brain-machine interfaces.
A new study from Murdoch University found that 66% of participants with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) experienced migraines that started or worsened after CRPS onset. This research highlights the connection between CRPS and migraine, suggesting a possible common cause for both conditions.
A study found that increased bone morphogenetic protein signaling is linked to impaired neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease, particularly in female mice. The research suggests that activation of BMP signaling may be a key factor contributing to the sex-based differences observed in AD.
Researchers found that close to half of all dementia cases would not arise without the APOE gene's influence, and potentially more than 90% of Alzheimer's disease cases are linked to variants in this single gene. The study highlights the APOE gene as a powerful target for drug development.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that transplanted stem cells develop neurons with unique codes to navigate and form connections in the brain. These codes guide the growth of axons and explain why most neurons of a particular subtype send axons to specific brain regions.
A new UCLA study combines human and animal research to identify chlorpyrifos as a potential environmental cause of Parkinson's disease. Long-term residential exposure to the pesticide increases the risk of developing the condition by more than 2.5 times.
New research reveals that the immune system has a potent weapon against the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii: an enzyme called caspase-8. This discovery offers new insights into how our bodies control the parasite and may lead to better treatments for patients with compromised immune systems.
A comprehensive review reveals the therapeutic effects of Borago officinalis, a plant with diverse compounds targeting inflammation and metabolic pathways. The study highlights its potential in treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that propofol, a common anesthetic agent, can improve cognitive function after surgery in older individuals. Additionally, intranasal insulin was found to mitigate age-related memory impairment by modulating neuroinflammatory mechanisms.
A comprehensive review synthesizes emerging evidence on AMPKα isoforms' dual roles in Alzheimer's disease. The analysis proposes that this complexity may explain why pharmacological approaches have yielded mixed results in treating the disease. Isoform-specific targeting is proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy.
The MONEAD study provides practical guidance for clinicians to manage epilepsy during pregnancy, reducing the risk of seizures and improving outcomes. The study's week-by-week playbook offers dose adjustments for antiseizure medications, empowering healthcare providers to provide the best possible care.
Researchers discovered that female brain immune cells called microglia express more interferon-related genes when responding to amyloid-β plaques, causing more harm to neuronal connections. This finding suggests a potential sex-specific treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that calcium alpha-ketoglutarate restores key memory-related brain functions disrupted in Alzheimer's disease. The molecule enhances synaptic plasticity, protects neurons from degenerative changes, and supports healthier cognitive ageing.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev identified SIRT6 as a critical upstream drug target for combating neurodegenerative pathology. By reprogramming gene expression, SIRT6 prevents the production of neurotoxic tryptophan metabolites and promotes protective neurotransmitters.
Researchers found that eradicating aging cells in mice with a combination of dasatinib and quercetin reduced senescent cells, improved memory, and decreased seizures. The study's results suggest a potential new approach to treating temporal lobe epilepsy.
A study published in the Journal of Proteome Research found that acute systemic inflammation causes region-specific metabolic disruption in the cerebrum, impairing neuronal metabolism. Key findings include reduced NAA levels and elevated urea accumulation, suggesting a link between inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders.
A newly discovered neural pathway connects the amygdala with arousal centers in mice, revealing a key mechanism for emotional regulation of sleep-wake cycles. This finding highlights potential therapeutic targets for stress-related insomnia and mood disorders.
In a new study, Northwestern scientists identified a previously unknown toxic sub-species of amyloid beta oligomers that drive brain changes in Alzheimer's disease. NU-9 decreased this toxin and reduced damage in a mouse model, suggesting it could prevent or delay the cascade of toxic events that destroy neurons.
Scientists at Salk Institute find protein CCN1, secreted by astrocytes, maintains stable neural circuits in adult brains. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics for brain injury and stroke.
A review in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology summarizes the benefits of parasport participation for individuals with cerebral palsy. The authors highlight its value in combining therapeutic physical activity with social inclusion and community integration.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
A comprehensive review reveals tau protein plays essential roles in brain functions while driving neurodegeneration and psychopathology. Tau deficiency enhances insulin secretion, normalizing glucose levels in diabetic mouse models.
Researchers investigated a combination of stem cell therapy and BDNF enhancement to treat Parkinson's disease. The strategy aims to promote neuroregeneration and functional recovery by introducing progenitor cells genetically matched to the donors, while upregulating BDNF to mitigate neuronal loss and enhance motor function.
Researchers have discovered that certain gut bacteria with similar structures to the protective layer of nerves can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism accelerates the progression of multiple sclerosis.
A new study suggests that midlife depression is driven by a small cluster of specific symptoms, rather than depression overall. The six symptoms are loss of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems, and poor concentration, which can lead to reduced social engagement and decreased cognitive reserve.
A study from Rangsit University shows that a simple bypass protocol guided by mean transit time can improve symptoms in 80% of patients with chronic cerebral occlusion or moyamoya disease. The protocol uses non-stress testing to evaluate cerebrovascular reserve and predict postoperative improvement.
Scientists have successfully replicated human neural circuits using assembloids, a type of miniature organoid derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The study shows that the thalamus plays a crucial role in shaping cell-type specific neural circuits in the human cerebral cortex, promoting cortical growth and maturation.
Researchers discovered that a missing piece of myelin in nerve cells slows signal transmission to the thalamus, disrupting communication loops and cognitive tasks. This finding sheds light on symptoms associated with grey matter lesions in MS.
Scientists at Michigan Medicine have developed machine learning models that can analyze blood samples for biomarkers to detect ALS earlier and predict disease severity. The models show promising results, with predictions accurate up to 91% in some cases, and could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment options.
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
Researchers developed an AI tool to identify patients with undiagnosed Alzheimer's disease using electronic health records, addressing underdiagnosis and healthcare inequities. The model achieved sensitivity rates of 77-81% across diverse populations, promoting fairness while maintaining high accuracy.
Researchers found that increased activity of a specific protein in the brain can alter learning processes associated with rewards. This discovery may lead to better treatments for conditions like addiction and depression.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
Researchers developed an innovative treatment platform combining a multichannel 3D-printed bioactive scaffold with siRNA delivery for enhanced axon regeneration and improved motor function in spinal cord injury rats. The therapy addressed multiple pathological barriers, including insufficient intrinsic axonal regeneration, lack of dire...
This study found that older mice blood worsens Alzheimer’s-related changes, while younger blood improves memory and cognitive function. The researchers identified key proteins involved in neurodegeneration and inflammation, suggesting new avenues for targeting blood-borne factors to slow or modify disease progression.
Researchers found that a decline in chaperone-mediated autophagy activity is linked to age-related muscle wasting and can be boosted by exercise and fasting. The study suggests that enhancing this process may be a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing or treating sarcopenia in aging populations.
The EBRAINS Summit 2025 will bring together experts to assess how neuroscience can drive medical progress, digital innovation, and responsible data use. Preliminary results from the EPINOV clinical trial, integrating virtual brain technology for epilepsy surgery planning, will be presented.
University of Missouri researchers are combining in-home sensor technology with artificial intelligence to monitor daily changes in ALS patients' health. The system uses machine learning to estimate a patient's score on the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised, predicting potential problems before they occur.
A recent study found that the protein TDP43 regulates genes responsible for fixing DNA mistakes, which can lead to cancer when overactive. The discovery could lead to new treatments by controlling overactive DNA repair, offering a therapeutic strategy for diseases such as ALS and dementia.
A large Korean cohort study reveals a link between restless legs syndrome and Parkinson's disease, highlighting opportunities for early detection. Dopamine-agonist therapy may reduce the risk of developing PD in RLS patients, according to the study's findings.
A new method developed by Penn State researchers improves the analysis of genetic data, identifying more genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The technique, BASIC, integrates both bulk tissue samples and single-cell data to uncover shared genetic effects across different cell types.
A new review emphasizes the importance of smell health, highlighting its role in nutrition, cognitive function, and psychological resilience. Researchers call for a global campaign to promote smell health through education, awareness, and targeted public health policies.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
The UBC robotic platform helps scientists understand how the brain keeps us standing by mimicking delays in sensory feedback. By tweaking forces and adding short delays, the robot reveals that our sense of space and time work from the same playbook.
A new meta-analysis published in Aging-US found a significant association between hospitalization for infections and the risk of developing dementia. Adults hospitalized with infections were at an increased risk of all-cause dementia, especially after a single infection-related hospitalization, which can speed up cognitive decline.
Researchers discovered that brain enzyme OTULIN regulates tau protein accumulation and has implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study revealed OTULIN's role in controlling gene expression and RNA metabolism, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers successfully used the 'zap-and-freeze' technology to observe hard-to-see brain cell communications in living brain tissue from mice and humans. The findings could help scientists understand the root causes of nonheritable forms of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.
A new analysis reveals that over 180 million Americans have at least one neurological condition, with tension-type headache, migraine, and diabetic neuropathy being the most prevalent. The prevalence rate has remained stable since 1990, but total disability-adjusted life-years increased by 55% between 1990 and 2021.
Researchers found that oral arginine significantly reduces amyloid buildup and neuroinflammation, suggesting a safe and low-cost therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. Arginine also improves behavioral performance and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine genes.
A recent University of Michigan study sheds light on the critical protein Sarm1, which controls both nerve breakdown and regeneration. The research found that blocking Sarm1 boosts nerve regeneration but only if it preserves a delicate balance between protection and repair.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that enlarged perivascular spaces, or 'clogged drains', in the brain are a likely early-warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. The condition can be visually identified on routine MRI scans, complementing existing methods to detect Alzheimer's earlier.
Researchers have successfully engineered functional brain-like tissue without animal-derived materials, opening doors to more controlled and humane neurological drug testing. The new material functions as a scaffold for donor brain cells and can be used to model traumatic brain injuries or neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
A novel study aims to uncover the connections between Fanconi Anemia and nervous system development, as well as nervous system decline. Researchers use C. elegans worms with FA gene mutations to track neural cell damage and behavior changes.
A nationwide analysis found that roughly 25% of patients with Bell's palsy received CT or MRI scans within 30 days of diagnosis, not aligned with current guidelines. This study highlights the need for initiatives to align clinical practice with evidence-based guidelines, promoting early treatment and minimizing unnecessary imaging.
Headache disorders affect nearly one in every three people, causing significant disability and health loss. Migraine and medication overuse drive most of the global burden, emphasizing the need for improved prevention, management, and access to care.
The UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health is a $100 million facility that brings together clinical care, diagnostics and research under one roof. The center will redefine treatment of conditions including Alzheimer's, dementia, stroke and Parkinson's with multidisciplinary care teams.
A nonsurgical approach has been demonstrated to quiet a specific brain circuit in an animal model by delivering engineered gene therapy only to the targeted region. The method uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing precise control over brain activity without impacting off-target areas.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that lecanemab treatment does not change short-term waste clearance function in Alzheimer's patients. The glymphatic system, which carries away metabolic waste like Aβ, is already damaged in AD patients, and treatment may not be enough to restore lost function.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind prenatal brain model to study cerebral hemorrhages on stem cells in preterm birth. An antidote reduced brain damage, and the study identified how neural stem cells are damaged by elevated interleukin-1 levels.