Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
A new study published in Epilepsy & Behavior found that a self-management program for people with epilepsy can reduce health complications, improve mood, and enhance quality of life. The program, called SMART, features remote training sessions and written resource materials to help participants manage their condition.
Researchers at UCLA Health have made a groundbreaking discovery about the mechanisms underlying vascular dementia. They found that targeting inflammation in brain blood vessels can promote brain repair and functional recovery in mice. This breakthrough highlights a potential new treatment approach for this understudied form of dementia.
Researchers found that low-intensity rTMS can increase synaptic plasticity of cortical axons in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in excitatory boutons. This suggests potential as a targeted treatment to improve quality of life for AD patients.
The drug QTX153 has shown significant promise in preclinical models of Rett syndrome, reversing symptoms such as motor control and neuronal function. The compound efficiently crosses the blood-brain barrier, demonstrating safety even at high doses.
A landmark national study in China identifies the most effective treatment strategies for unruptured brain aneurysms, analyzing over 874,000 clinical entries and 42,000 radiological scans. The trial aims to guide patient-specific treatment strategies and inform healthcare planning in China's aging population.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology to determine how levodopa affects brain signals in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that some patients experience 'off-target' effects of the drug, affecting brain regions beyond the intended dopamine-replacement therapy area.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that disposable e-cigarettes release higher amounts of toxic metals than older e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. The devices contain hazardous levels of neurotoxic lead, carcinogenic nickel, and antimony, posing significant health risks to users.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has issued a position statement on emerging therapies for neurological conditions. The statement emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, shared decision making between patients and neurologists, and FDA review before taking a definitive position. This guidance aims to facilitate conv...
A new study has found that a simple blood test can predict cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, identifying insulin resistance as a key risk factor. The research used the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index to analyze 315 non-diabetic patients with cognitive deficits, finding those with high TyG levels deteriorated rapidly.
Researchers are exploring potassium channel blockers to reduce seizures caused by genetic mutations in the KCNT1 gene. The treatment holds promise for reducing life expectancy and improving symptoms, with potential clinical trials starting as early as 2026.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that T cell reactivity is highest during the prodromal period in Parkinson's disease, which can last for decades before noticeable symptoms. This finding may guide the development of early diagnostic tools and provide a new timeline for Parkinson's disease detection.
Scientists have identified four biomarkers in ear wax that may indicate Parkinson's disease, and an AI-based screening model can detect them with 94% accuracy. This technology could pave the way for earlier diagnosis and improved patient care.
A new international study identified two distinct genetic signatures for complex forms of Alzheimer's disease, with one primarily driven by apolipoprotein E and the other involving a combination of 75 additional genetic variants. This shared biological mechanism is largely consistent across global populations.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a brain-computer interface that translates neural activity into speech in real time. The technology allows individuals with ALS to communicate more naturally and inclusively, with 60% of synthesized words intelligible to listeners.
Research from Mass General Brigham found that individuals with shorter telomeres and less optimal lifestyle choices are at greater risk for stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. However, those with healthier lifestyles showed no increased risk, suggesting a potential mitigation effect.
Researchers at Harvard University's Wyss Institute have successfully created human microglia cells in a dish, using induced pluripotent stem cells, within four days. This breakthrough enables new avenues for brain disease-focused research and potential therapeutic perspectives.
Researchers developed a digital motor score, HDDMS, using smartphone apps to track disease progression in Huntington's disease. The HDDMS is around twice as sensitive as the current clinical measure, allowing for more efficient clinical trials and potentially accelerating drug development.
A study of twins reveals that certain bacteria in the small intestine may trigger MS. Researchers identified two specific bacteria, Lachnoclostridium sp and Eisenbergiella tayi, which are associated with the disease. The findings suggest a new potential therapeutic target for MS treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new method to enhance brain waste clearance by precisely stimulating the lymphatics under skin on the neck and face. This non-invasive approach may offer a safer alternative to current treatments for age-related neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Vanessa Casha, a postdoctoral scholar at the UCLA Brain Research Institute, received the 2025 Hereditary Disease Foundation's Nancy S. Wexler Young Investigator Prize for her research on Huntington's disease. She aims to identify key proteins driving the disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses real-time data to diagnose nystagmus, a condition linked to vestibular or neurological disorders. The system allows patients to record their eye movements using a smartphone and receive remote diagnostic analysis.
A new study published by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that theophylline significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with ADCY5-related dyskinesia. The treatment yielded impressive results, including reduced muscle twitches, improved gait, and better psychosocial well-being.
A new whole-brain dynamics predictive method has been developed to capture brain activity in individuals with mental disorders. The method uses a novel framework to improve parameter estimation and reconstruction of BOLD dynamics. It delivers robust performance across individuals and outperforms traditional methods in diagnosis accuracy.
The annual Alzheimer's disease drug development pipeline report, led by Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, highlights an increase in active clinical trials and promising drugs, offering reason for optimism. The report assesses 138 drugs currently being studied and notes the growing importance of biomarkers in clinical trials.
A new study found that adopting the MIND diet is linked with reduced dementia risk, even among older adults. Those who improved their adherence to the diet over time showed a greater pattern of risk reduction.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered that an immune molecule called STING drives the formation of harmful plaques and protein tangles associated with Alzheimer's. Blocking STING protected lab mice from mental decline, suggesting a promising treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases.
A Kennedy Krieger researcher's work on a promising oral drug, leriglitazone, has shown it can slow the progression of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) in all 11 trial participants. Nearly half of boys treated with the medication appeared to halt disease progression entirely.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that epilepsy is considerably more common among patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) than previously estimated. In fact, the prevalence of epilepsy increased over time, and approximately 11% of patients had epilepsy five years after diagnosis.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered associations between blood lipid levels and Alzheimer's disease risk. Higher small dense cholesterol particles increased risk, while ApoB48 levels were associated with lower risk.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potentially safer treatment for multiple disorders linked to altered dopamine signaling by blocking the kappa opioid receptor. The study found that this approach can correct behavioral deficits and normalize dopamine availability.
Researchers used a new fMRI analysis method to measure cerebrovascular reactivity in 53 adults aged 51-83. They found an unexpected improvement in brain health in postmenopausal female participants, primarily in areas related to movement and memory.
Researchers have identified a genetic change responsible for severe neuropathy after infection, which affects nerve function and can be triggered by infections such as Covid-19. The discovery provides insights into the mechanisms causing the condition and may lead to the development of effective treatments.
Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the third most common stroke type, accounting for 5-10% of all strokes. Despite declining age-standardized burden rates, SAH remains a major public health concern globally.
Researchers have created a versatile set of gene delivery systems that can reach different neural cell types in the human brain and spinal cord with exceptional accuracy. The new platform has the potential to transform how scientists study neural circuits, providing access to specific cells and communication pathways known to be affect...
A new strategy for screening anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients has shown a significant increase in screening rates from 12.6% to 29.2% using an electronic health record-based approach. The study found that younger patients and white patients were more likely to complete the screeners.
Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism explaining how neurons survive botulinum neurotoxin type A exposure. The research found that specific tRNA fragments interact with key proteins and RNA molecules involved in regulating ferroptosis, supporting neuronal survival by blocking cell death pathways.
Scientists at MIT have identified new potential targets for treating Alzheimer's disease, including a pathway involved in DNA damage repair. The study suggests that a combination of treatments targeting different cellular pathways may be more effective in blocking disease progression.
Researchers at UCLA Health identified a candidate small molecule, DDL-357, that increases concentrations of secreted clusterin, reducing toxic protein phospho-tau and improving mitochondrial function. The drug also improved memory in treated mice in maze-based cognitive tests.
Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have developed a low-cost blood test that detects five biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid and tau proteins. The test uses xMAP technology and has the potential to catch the disease in its earliest stages, when treatment might be able to prevent or delay cognitive decline.
The Consortium of MS Centers Annual Meeting will assemble top MS experts for a powerhouse lineup on May 28-31 in Phoenix. Key findings include the exploration of holistic care and its impact on patient-centered empowerment, as well as breakthroughs in MS treatment and research.
A new technique using focused sound waves and microbubbles has shown great promise in treating debilitating brain lesions called cerebral cavernous malformations. The approach has halted the growth of lesions almost entirely, offering a potential paradigm shift in treatment.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have pinpointed a 'sweet spot' for focused ultrasound treatment to provide significant relief from essential tremor. The study identified a specific subregion of the brain's thalamus that can result in optimal and long-lasting tremor improvements while reducing side effects. With this breakthrough, p...
Zhaoqi Yan, a scientist at Gladstone Institutes, has been awarded the 2025 Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholar fellowship to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind blood-brain barrier dysfunction. His research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that lecanemab treatment resulted in rare and manageable side effects, especially in patients with very mild or mild Alzheimer's symptoms. Only 1% of patients experienced severe side effects requiring hospitalization, highlighting the feasibility and safety of the drug in real-world settings.
Researchers found that patients taking HIV drugs called NRTIs are substantially less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Jayakrishna Ambati, analyzed data from two large health insurance databases and determined a significant reduction in Alzheimer's risk among patients on NRTIs.
Richard Finkel, MD, is named to TIME100 Health for his pioneering work in treating spinal muscular atrophy prenatally with the orally administered drug risdiplam. This breakthrough has shown promising results, with no identifiable features of SMA observed two years after treatment.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a cortical organoid model for the rare disorder UBA5-associated encephalopathy, revealing stunted GABAergic interneuron growth and imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition. The model suggests boosting the expression of the existing partially functioning copy of UBA5 may...
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are rising rapidly in China due to population growth and high-risk factors like high blood sugar, smoking, and obesity. The study projects continued rise unless effective interventions are implemented.
A study published in Neurology found that eating more ultra processed foods may speed up early signs of Parkinson's disease. Participants who consumed over 11 servings of ultra-processed food per day had a higher likelihood of developing three or more early symptoms of the disease.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a miniaturized iontronic micropipette to precisely modulate neuronal and astrocytic activity. The study revealed dynamic dynamics between cells, highlighting the importance of chemical signaling in brain function.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found no evidence supporting a diagnosis of the New Brunswick neurological syndrome of unknown cause, highlighting the need for independent clinical evaluations. The data revealed presence of several neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative conditions instead
The MED13L Foundation has launched a three-year natural history study at Boston Children's Hospital to better understand MED13L Syndrome and inform future clinical trials. The study will collect data from 30 individuals with the condition over three years, providing valuable insights into disease progression and development.
Researchers have found that promoting glucose metabolism in glial cells can relieve inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration in Alzheimer's patients. This discovery presents an exciting new therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's.
A new hairlike electrode made of 3D-printed hydrogel material has been developed to monitor brain activity for extended periods without the need for gels or skin preparation. The device's lightweight and flexible design allows for stable, high-quality recordings and minimizes discomfort, making it suitable for chronic monitoring.
Researchers from Université Laval discovered a non-invasive retinal exam can detect Parkinson's disease biomarkers, offering early diagnosis and potential intervention. The study found distinct retinal responses to light stimuli in people with Parkinson's compared to healthy individuals.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has committed $18.1 million to support research projects aligned with its Pathways to Cures roadmap, which aims to stop MS, restore function, and end the disease. The funding includes 16 research grants and 28 training fellowships in the US and internationally.
A protein link between brain diseases and leaky blood vessels reveals that endothelial cell dysfunction plays a crucial role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that reduced TDP-43 levels lead to gaps in blood vessel walls, allowing toxic molecules to enter the brain.
AIC100 demonstrated encouraging responses and an acceptable safety profile in patients with two types of advanced thyroid cancer, including anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and relapsed/refractory poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PTDC). The therapy showed significant tumor shrinkage and disease control in 56% of patients.
Researchers discovered that the brain suppresses the current action without using another mechanism to inhibit it, enabling seamless transitions between actions. This finding could lead to the development of biologically-inspired robotic systems and improve clinical treatments for Parkinson's patients.
A cross-sectional survey found that hospitalized patients with neurological diseases were at risk of malnutrition, with a significant portion requiring nutrition therapy. The study highlights the need for improved nutritional assessment and treatment to reduce complications and improve outcomes.