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Autism linked to elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease

A large-scale study from Karolinska Institutet reports that individuals with an autism diagnosis are four times more likely to develop early-onset Parkinson's disease. The researchers believe that shared underlying biological mechanisms may be at play, particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2025

Research spotlight: Study provides a window into public perceptions about technological treatment options for brain conditions

A survey of over 1,000 US adults examined perceptions of four neurotechnologies: deep brain stimulation, MRI-guided focused ultrasound, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and pills. Pills were rated as the most beneficial, acceptable, and likely to be used, while DBS was seen as the second most beneficial but also the riskiest.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalDevice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2025

Candidate drug that boosts protective brain protein in mice has potential to treat Alzheimer’s Disease

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·Journalnpj Drug Discovery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2025

Trouble hearing in noisy places and crowded spaces? Researchers say new BU-developed algorithm could help hearing aid users

A new brain-inspired algorithm developed at BU can help hearing aids tune out interference and isolate single talkers in a crowd of voices. In testing, researchers found it could improve word recognition accuracy by 40 percentage points relative to current hearing aid algorithms.

SourceBoston University·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2025

Study indicates that risky surgery after a stroke due to carotid artery stenosis is no longer necessary for majority of patients

A significant proportion of patients who suffer a stroke due to carotid artery narrowing can be treated with medication only. Researchers found that up to 75% of patients may not need surgery, eliminating the risk of another stroke and saving healthcare costs.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 16, 2025

Study reveals promising insights on treatment to improve speech after a stroke

Researchers at the University of Calgary investigate the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with intensive speech therapy for treating poststroke aphasia. The study found significant improvements in speech, confidence, and mood among participants, offering new hope for those affected by stroke.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNeurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 16, 2025

More people now die at home after stroke than in medical facilities

A new analysis finds a significant increase in people dying at home due to ischemic stroke, reversing a 10-year decline, with rural communities and Black Americans more likely to die in less specialized care environments. The study also reveals rising death rates from stroke, despite improvements in access to palliative care.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2025

Major themes and growth areas in the application of AI in the neurosciences shown in inaugural issue of AI in neuroscience

A new review article identifies major themes in AI application to neurosciences, including a 5-fold increase in AI-related publications. The study also notes a surge of over 13-fold in clinical neurology AI-related publications in the past decade.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAI in Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2025

UCalgary researchers confirm best approach for stroke in medium-sized blood vessels

UCalgary researchers confirm that endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is not effective for patients with blockages in medium-sized blood vessels. The ESCAPE-MeVO clinical trial found no improvement in outcomes for these patients compared to standard care. EVT was previously shown to improve patient outcomes after large-vessel strokes.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2025