Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
Researchers discovered that FGF21, a muscle hormone released during exercise, is elevated in people with ALS and may play a protective role. Higher levels of FGF21 were associated with slower disease progression and longer survival in patients.
A University of Houston researcher found that recording brain activity while listening to a story can help diagnose primary progressive aphasia, a rare neurodegenerative syndrome. The method was up to 75% effective in classifying the disorder's subtypes using machine-learning algorithms and electroencephalography data.
The American College of Chest Physicians has achieved a critical milestone in its advocacy efforts, leading to changes in federal coverage guidelines for noninvasive ventilation devices used in the home. These revised guidelines reflect major recommendations submitted by CHEST and aim to enhance patient care.
A Chinese Medical Journal study reviews the association between lipid metabolism and Parkinson’s disease. The research highlights how lipid disruptions contribute to α-Syn aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, suggesting lipids as a promising therapeutic target for PD.
Scientists at UCSF successfully used CRISPRa to increase SCN2A levels in mice with the genetic disorder, resulting in reduced seizures and improved brain function. The therapy offers hope for treating neurodevelopmental issues related to SCN2A haploinsufficiency.
A NIH-funded study reveals that repeated head impacts from contact sports can cause early neuron loss and inflammation in the brains of young- to middle-aged athletes. The findings suggest that these changes may occur years before CTE develops its hallmark disease features.
A groundbreaking trial published in New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates the benefits of surgical treatment with a shunt for idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) in older adults. Eighty percent of participants showed significant clinical improvement, including improved walking speed and balance.
A randomized trial shows that implanting a brain shunt in older patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus significantly improves symptoms, including gait speed, cognition, and bladder control. The study resolves controversy surrounding the condition's existence and treatment effectiveness.
Researchers from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a common process that powers the creation of protein formations that assemble like a 3D puzzle, triggering inflammation and cell death. This 'Catch-22' mechanism may be one of the fundamental reasons why we age.
Researchers developed new methods to accurately target the centromedian nucleus for deep brain stimulation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Advanced imaging techniques, such as high-resolution MRI and DTI tractography, improve targeting accuracy by identifying specific brain pathways and neural firing patterns.
A systematic review of over 9 million pregnancies found that gestational diabetes is associated with cognitive decline in mothers and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a 36% higher risk of ADHD and a 56% higher risk of autism spectrum disorders compare...
Children with variable levels of walking impairment experience significant physical activity, social engagement, and family life improvements. Parents also report increased confidence, self-belief, and reduced anxiety in their children.
Researchers discovered elevated TSPO levels in the brain of genetically engineered mouse models and human patients with familial Alzheimer's disease, indicating a potential biomarker for early detection. The study aims to explore how blocking or enhancing TSPO could halt disease progression.
A new study from MIT neuroscientists reveals how rare variants of the ABCA7 gene contribute to Alzheimer's risk by disrupting lipid metabolism and cell membrane function. Treating neurons with choline can reverse some cellular effects of ABCA7 loss.
Virginia Tech researchers create method combining MRI, fluid dynamics, and algorithm to identify hidden glioblastoma cells. The technique uses fluid flow patterns to predict tumor re-growth, allowing for more aggressive surgical approaches. This technology has potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes
Researchers found a hormone combination of growth hormone and testosterone to be safe and effective in improving muscle mass, strength and mobility in men with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The treatment resulted in gains of up to 4.5 lbs of lean muscle and improved walking ability by 37 meters.
Researchers found that mutations in the CFAP410 gene change its interaction with another protein, making motor neuron cells more vulnerable to DNA damage and cell death. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying Motor Neurone Disease and highlights potential targets for new therapies.
Researchers found distinct effects of single disease-causing gene variants across different brain regions, pointing to hippocampal disruptions as a key factor in cognitive problems beyond seizures. This study provides an early step toward understanding why current treatments often fall short and may help identify new therapies.
A study published in Neurology found that people who consumed the highest amounts of low- and no-calorie sweeteners experienced faster declines in thinking and memory skills compared to those who consumed the lowest amounts. The decline was equivalent to about 1.6 years of aging.
A study published in Science Advances found that individuals with 'subjective cognitive decline' (SCD), a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, performed worse on navigation tasks compared to those without SCD. The researchers hope this could lead to more sensitive testing methods for early diagnosis and drug studies.
A new study reveals that Alzheimer's progression is characterized by a breakdown of epigenomic stability, leading to compromised compartmentalization and the loss of gene regulation. The research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms driving disease progression and resilience, shedding light on potential new treatments.
A new brainwave test developed at the University of Bath has been shown to detect signs of memory impairment linked to Alzheimer's disease years before clinical diagnosis. The Fastball EEG technology, a three-minute passive test, can reliably identify memory problems in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Researchers at POSTECH and Korea Brain Research Institute unveil NeuO's mechanism of selective neuron staining through PAK6 kinase phosphorylation. This breakthrough opens path for precise tracking and study of living neurons in brain.
A new study found that Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander people had the highest rate of stroke among all racial and ethnic groups, with a rate of 591 cases per 100,000 people. The study also showed significant disparities in stroke risk among different racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers found that mice lacking STING developed signs of more damaging inflammation than normal aging brains. Microglia, a key immune cell, lost efficacy in clearing debris and supporting other brain cells.
Researchers found that carotid endarterectomy reverses impaired blood-brain barrier properties only in the operative side, improving cerebral hemodynamic parameters. The study suggests potential implications for preventing stroke incidence and improving cognitive decline in patients with bilateral carotid artery stenosis.
A new study reveals that most epilepsy patients with focal epilepsy will still experience seizures for at least a year after starting treatment. The study suggests that neurologists should rethink their initial approach to antiseizure therapy, as many patients may not respond well to the first medication or regimen prescribed.
A team of scientists at Case Western Reserve University has discovered a built-in 'brake' that controls when key brain cells mature, which appears to stay on too long in multiple sclerosis. This brake is essential for healthy brain development but gets stuck in MS, leaving the cells unable to repair damage.
A UMass Amherst kinesiologist has received a $2 million NIH grant to study how myosin molecules work together to drive different processes within cells. His research aims to develop drugs for heart failure, neurological conditions and genetic forms of deafness.
Researchers have reimagined hemoglobin as an antioxidant protein in the brain, where it breaks down harmful reactive oxygen species. A new compound, KDS12025, selectively enhances this natural defense mechanism to protect against ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers at Beijing Tiantan Hospital developed a one-stage hybrid operation to treat hypervascular CNS tumors, achieving high rates of gross-total removal and improved neurological function. The technique combines embolization and resection in a single procedure, reducing intraoperative bleeding risk and operative time.
Researchers developed a dynamic nomogram to predict long-term survival in patients with brain abscess, identifying key predictors such as age, Karnofsky performance status, and hemoculture results. The model offers an interactive tool for individualized risk assessment, facilitating better treatment decisions and improving outcomes.
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.
Dr. David Rubinsztein shares his personal journey from childhood curiosity to discovering autophagy, a natural process that clears toxic proteins causing devastating neurodegenerative diseases. His research has established autophagy upregulation as a viable therapeutic strategy for conditions affecting millions worldwide.
A new study published in Pharmaceutical Research suggests that planaria, harmless flatworms, react to brain medicines similarly to rodents. This could lead to the development of treatments for schizophrenia and hallucinations, reducing the number of mice and rats used in early medical research.
The University of Houston is expanding its behavioral health offerings with new ABA training programs, addressing growing need for behavior analysts. Salaries range from $63,000-$77,000 annually, with autism diagnoses on the rise due to improved screenings and assessments.
A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.
A NIH-funded study by Georgetown University researchers found that strokes can rob a person's ability to use word meanings to recognize words while reading. The study, published in the journal Brain, identified a key brain region and connections affected by this deficit.
A clinical trial shows that giving risdiplam to newborns as early as 16 days old is safe and effective in improving motor function and increasing survival rates. The treatment can delay or prevent disease progression and preserve strength, function, and quality of life from birth.
A research team developed a new method to precisely edit DNA by combining genetic engineering with artificial intelligence. The technique enables accurate modeling of human diseases and lays the groundwork for next-generation gene therapies.
Researchers from FAU and the Sensing Institute created a detailed computer model of the mouse brain's vasculature, simulating how brain blood vessels respond to hemodynamics and vasodynamics. The model shows that transitional vessels play a critical role in regulating flow and protecting the brain during increased activity.
Researchers have discovered a new approach for treating proteinopathies by targeting dysregulated nuclear speckles, which can lead to neuron degeneration. Pyrvinium pamoate has been shown to improve proteostasis in various disease models, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and tauopathies.
Researchers have established a causal link between mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases. By stimulating mitochondrial activity, they observed an improvement in memory deficit symptoms in animal models. The study opens the door to considering mitochondria as a new therapeutic target.
Researchers identify key symptom categories and biomarkers for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare autoimmune brain condition. Clinical manifestations suggest the presence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis through NMDA antibody checks, uric acid levels, C-reactive protein, and thyroid-related hormones.
Researchers found that low-oxygen environments can protect the brain and restore movement in mice with Parkinson's-like disease by reducing excess oxygen molecules. The study suggests that hypoxia could be a new approach to treating Parkinson's, potentially targeting cellular dysfunction rather than protein clumps.
Researchers found that patients with Alzheimer's disease have reduced ability to absorb cholesterol from the cerebrospinal fluid, and this impairment is linked to the presence of the APOE4 variant. The study suggests that efficient delivery of cholesterol to neurons is essential for their function and maintenance.
A study examining over 1,000 women aged 18-49 found that more than half with an ischemic stroke had experienced pregnancy complications. High-risk factors include preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes.
A study using stem cells from ALS patients identified a potential new target for treatment: the integrated stress response. The researchers found that blocking this stress response can reverse damage in lab-grown motor neurons, providing a promising proof-of-concept for future therapeutic strategies.
The JAK2-STAT3 pathway contributes to inflammation and injury after ischemic stroke. Targeting this pathway shows promise for reducing brain swelling, neuronal death, and improving recovery. Several inhibitors have been found effective in preclinical models, including Tyrphostin AG490, Ruxolitinib, and natural compounds like genistein.
Researchers developed a novel framework using generative AI and musculoskeletal simulation to create synthetic gait data. This approach enables more robust and generalizable gait analysis across various patient populations and clinical environments.
A study led by Dr. Jessica Bernard at Texas A&M University investigates the role of the cerebellum in cognitive functions such as memory and language, with the aim of developing a non-invasive therapeutic approach using Theta burst simulation (TBS) to improve outcomes for older adults.
A $5.5 million federal grant will support clinical trials to treat fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The project aims to develop accurate outcome measures for future trials, ensuring patients and caregivers have a say in what matters most.
A recent study found that over 90% of ALS patients use smartphones and computers but remain unaware of accessibility tools. These features can greatly enhance their quality of life as the disease progresses.
Tetrandrine modulates autophagy by selectively removing damaged lysosomes through lysophagy while promoting new lysosome formation. This unique mechanism highlights tetrandrine's therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study by University of South Australia researchers uses genetic recall to explore links between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the Epstein-Barr virus. The study aims to identify early warning signs or biomarkers for MS, enabling early detection and intervention.
Researchers investigate how anxiety emerges and changes over the course of Parkinson's Disease, exploring its relationship to autonomic symptoms and brain regions like the amygdala. They aim to understand how functional changes in these areas may relate to behaviors.
A new study suggests that marbling of fat inside muscles is a strong indicator of poor health, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and neuromuscular disorders. The research found that intramuscular fat acts as a physical barrier obstructing muscle healing and regeneration.
A USC research team has made a groundbreaking discovery about the human spinal cord's role in bladder control. The study used functional ultrasound imaging to observe real-time changes in blood flow dynamics during bladder filling and emptying, revealing areas where activity is correlated with bladder pressure.
A new genetic study has identified genes involved in neuronal signalling and sensory pathways as key drivers of chronic cough. The findings advance our understanding of cough reflex hypersensitivity as a nervous system-mediated process, opening up opportunities for targeted treatments.
A Tohoku University study reveals that ALS-causing mutations converge on the dysregulation of UNC13A gene expression, which could lead to effective treatment strategies. The researchers identified two molecular mechanisms underlying this reduction, including mRNA destabilization and REST overexpression.