Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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...
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.
A team of researchers from Goethe University and Kiel University has discovered a way to prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates in cultured cells. The study found that linking TDP-43 with SUMO prevents its aggregation, suggesting a potential new approach for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study by the University of Zurich examined the connection between retinal nerve connections and schizophrenia. The researchers found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia tend to have thinner retinas, which can be detected using non-invasive retinal measurements.
A new study provides a method to estimate sample size required for microbiome studies based on effect sizes and analysis methods. For strong associations, around 500 participants were needed to achieve 80% statistical power, while weaker associations may require thousands of samples.
Citrullination, driven by peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs), converts arginine to citrulline, altering protein structure and function. PAD2 and PAD4 play pivotal roles in epigenetic regulation, affecting transcriptional activity through histone modification and interaction with transcription factors.
Researchers highlight GOT2 as a compelling therapeutic target for treating pancreatic cancer, exploiting its role in regulating cellular redox balance and energy production pathways. Early candidates like amino oxyacetate show promise in disrupting GOT2 activity, leading to cellular senescence and loss of proliferative capacity.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of anaplastic thyroid cancer's molecular mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies. Key findings include the significance of targeted therapies, such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors, and the potential of immunotherapy and novel agents to enhance treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that adults under 50 with migraine headaches and certain heart defects are at increased risk of stroke. The study highlights the importance of assessing both traditional and nontraditional risk factors in younger people to prevent strokes.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have made breakthroughs in delivering gene-targeting compounds to the brain, using cholesterol-modified oligonucleotides that can penetrate the cerebral cortex beyond the blood vessels. This could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as brain cancers.
Researchers at U-M and Stanford aim to create implantable brain computer interfaces to detect and interpret brain signals, enabling stroke victims to communicate more effectively. The devices will use tiny carbon-based electrodes to record signals from the brain's temporal region and transmit them wirelessly.
Researchers have found that people with cannabis use disorder have elevated dopamine levels in a brain region associated with psychosis. This could explain why frequent cannabis use increases the risk of hallucinations and delusions. The study's findings may help doctors educate patients about the potential risks of frequent cannabis u...
Dr. Romina Mizrahi's PET-based neuroimaging sheds light on brain workings, integrating genetics, environment and imaging to understand psychiatric illness as a complex biological puzzle. She advocates for precision psychiatry paradigm with customized treatments based on molecular profiles, and calls for diversity in academic leadership.
Researchers have discovered that the thalamus can update its own connections independently of the cortex, a finding relevant to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This breakthrough suggests that modulating neurotransmitters in the thalamus could alter sensory processing and improve cognitive function.