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Medicare patients get different stroke care depending on plan, analysis reveals

A study by University of Virginia Health System researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients had better access to preventive care and rehabilitation after a stroke, leading to faster recovery times. In contrast, traditional Medicare patients were less likely to receive these services due to prior authorization requirements.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Comparative Effectiveness Research·DateFeb 18, 2026

Air pollution may directly contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

A large cohort study found that air pollution exposure increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study suggests that improving air quality could be an important way to prevent dementia and protect older adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal reports the safety and effectiveness of lecanemab in Chinese patients with early Alzheimer’s disease

The study found lecanemab to be safe and effective in slowing down cognitive decline and clearing brain Aβ deposition in Chinese patients with early AD. The results demonstrate a lower incidence of infusion-related reactions and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities compared to international clinical trials.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2026

AI model can read and diagnose a brain MRI in seconds

A new AI-powered model can read a brain MRI and diagnose neurological conditions with up to 97.5% accuracy, predicting treatment urgency and automating alerts for immediate medical attention. The technology has the potential to transform neuroimaging at health systems across the US, reducing workload and improving patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 6, 2026

Pregnancy, breastfeeding associated with higher levels of cognitive function for postmenopausal women

A new study by UCLA anthropology professor Molly Fox found that pregnancy and breastfeeding are associated with stronger long-term cognitive ability in postmenopausal women. The study used data from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study and the Women’s Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging, which assessed over 7,000 women age...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·DateFeb 3, 2026

Backward walking study offers potential new treatment to improve mobility and decrease falls in multiple sclerosis patients

A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy found that backward walking training improved postural stability and gait speed in most participants with multiple sclerosis. The researchers suggest that this therapy may promote neuroplasticity and be a potential new treatment for improving mobility and decreasing falls.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Neurologic Physical Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Can AI understand the human brain better than humans?

A novel AI framework uses speech patterns to detect cognitive decline years before traditional tools can, offering non-invasive screening for neurodegenerative conditions. The approach analyzes complex dynamics and transitions hidden in speech to reveal subtle patterns and extract objective biomarkers from natural patient behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2026

Not just sweet: the sugar branches that shape the brain

A brain-specific enzyme reshapes protein-linked sugar chains to facilitate the formation of complex glycans essential for normal brain function. This process is critical for efficient keratan sulfate formation and has implications for research into glycan-related brain disorders.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2026

Brain network disorders study provides insights into the role of molecular chaperones in neurodegenerative diseases

A study reviews decades of research on Hsp70's role in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its protective effects and potential therapeutic value. The review reveals that different Hsp70 isoforms interact with co-chaperones and cellular pathways to determine protein clearance.

SourceBrain Network Disorders Editorial Office·JournalBrain Network Disorders·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 22, 2026

Stroke survivors miss critical treatment, face greater disability due to systemic transfer delays

A new study suggests that gaps in the nation's stroke transfer system reduce survivors' chances of receiving critical treatment and increase disability. Patients with longer delays in hospital transfer experienced worse disability after their stroke, highlighting missed opportunities for many stroke patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

A brain network disorders study analyzes the epidemiology of neurological disorders in China

The study reveals cerebrovascular disease as the third leading cause of death among adults in China, with a higher risk among men and those residing in northern regions. Dementia and Parkinson's disease also show high prevalence rates, while unique demographic patterns are observed for other neurological disorders.

SourceBrain Network Disorders Editorial Office·JournalBrain Network Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2026

The “broker” family helps tidy up the cell

A research team at Goethe University Frankfurt has compiled a catalog of human E3 ligases and mapped their relationships, revealing family-specific functions. The study identifies 40 additional E3 ligases suitable for PROTAC development, expanding the range of tissues and diseases targeted by degradation therapies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026

New mechanism links Epstein-Barr virus to MS

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJan 13, 2026

Understanding sex-based differences and the role of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in Alzheimer’s disease

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.

SourceWaseda University·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

From ancient herb to modern medicine: new review unveils the multi-targeted healing potential of Borago officinalis

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.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 6, 2026

Innovative review reveals overlooked complexity in cellular energy sensor's dual roles in Alzheimer's disease

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.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 6, 2026

Inflammation-induced metabolic shifts linked to brain disorders

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.

SourceKindai University·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025