The American Academy of Neurology today launched a new medical journal, called Neurology® Clinical Practice, to help doctors best treat the one in six people worldwide who have a neurologic disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy or stroke.
In his continued quest to outfox Parkinson’s disease, actor Michael J. Fox is calling on people with Parkinson’s and those without the disease to join Fox Trial Finder, a new web tool that connects volunteers with clinical trials that desperately need participants for the testing of new drugs and other treatments. Fox and Fox Trial Finder are featured in the latest issue of Neurology Now®, the American Academy of Neurology’s award-winning magazine for patients and caregivers.
Babies born at a very low birth weight are more likely to have memory and attention problems when they become adults than babies born at a low to normal weight, according to a study published in the December 6, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
New research finds a marker used to detect plaque in the brain may help doctors make a more accurate diagnosis between two common types of dementia – Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). The study is published in the November 30, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Studies have shown that people who are overweight in middle age are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease decades later than people at normal weight, yet researchers have also found that people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI). A current study examines this relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and BMI. The study is published in the November 22, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
People with a history of stroke or diabetes who were given clot-busting drugs to break up blood clots after stroke fared better than those who did not receive the drugs, according to a study published in the November 16, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
People with Parkinson’s disease may be more likely to have a movement disorder called leg motor restlessness, but not true restless legs syndrome as previous studies have suggested, according to a study published in the November 9, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
A new study shows a person’s stroke risk profile, which includes high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes, may also be helpful in predicting whether a person will develop memory and thinking problems later in the life. The research is published in the November 8, 2011, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
New research shows people with dementia who have a stroke are more likely to become disabled and not return home compared to people who didn’t have dementia at the time they had a stroke. The study is published in the November 1, 2011, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The American Academy of Neurology has named 30 neurologists from around the world to attend the esteemed Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum, January 12-15, 2012, in Austin, Texas. The Forum is the premier advocacy leadership skills development program designed to train neurologists to be effective advocates for their patients at the local, state and national levels.
Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), but the first randomized, controlled trial using high-dose vitamin D in MS did not find any added benefit over and above ongoing low-dose vitamin D supplementation, according to a study published in the October 25, 2011, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The American Academy of Neurology is releasing an updated guideline on how to best treat essential tremor, which is the most common type of tremor disorder and is often confused with other movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. The guideline is published in the October 19, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
New research suggests the growth rate of the brain’s cerebral cortex in babies born prematurely may predict how well they are able to think, speak, plan and pay attention later in childhood. The research is published in the October 12, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain covering the cerebrum, and is responsible for cognitive functions, such as language, memory, attention and thought.
With one in six people in the United States now affected by brain disease such as dementia, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, the American Academy of Neurology Foundation is marking its 20th anniversary with the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) to raise awareness about the need for more research to cure brain disease.
People who are able to cross their legs soon after having a severe stroke appear to be more likely to have a good recovery compared to people who can’t cross their legs. That’s according to new research published in the October 11, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
People who rate their health as poor or fair appear to be significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life, according to a study published in the October 5, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Being born prematurely may increase your risk of developing epilepsy as an adult, according to a new study published in the October 4, 2011, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Actor Kevin Sorbo is best known for his television portrayal of Hercules, a muscle-bound hero who battles the forces of evil. But almost no one knew he was also waging a secret battle – on and off the set – after an aneurysm and a series of strokes left him partially blind and with nearly debilitating dizziness, nausea and weakness when he was only 38 years old. For the first time, Sorbo is sharing his story and recovery in the latest issue of Neurology Now®, the American Academy of Neurology’s award-winning magazine for neurology patients and caregivers as well as in his new book, True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life (October 2011, De Capo Press).
Even people with blood pressure that is slightly above normal may be at an increased risk of stroke, according to a review of studies published in the September 28, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Older people with low levels of vitamin B12 in their blood may be more likely to lose brain cells and develop problems with their thinking skills, according to a study published in the September 27, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Foods that come from animals, including fish, meat, especially liver, milk, eggs and poultry, are usually sources of vitamin B12.
People with diabetes appear to be at a significantly increased risk of developing dementia, according to a study published in the September 20, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
In a first of its kind study, researchers have found that using two way audio-video telemedicine to deliver stroke care, also known as telestroke, appears to be cost-effective for rural hospitals that don’t have an around-the-clock neurologist, or stroke expert, on staff. The research is published in the September 14, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
People with high cholesterol may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in the September 13, 2011, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Contrary to longstanding assumptions, new findings suggest the work intensity of physicians across several specialties is fairly equal. The study, funded by the American Academy of Neurology along with several other medical associations and published online ahead of print in the journal Medical Care, provides the groundwork for the development of a more reliable, scientific measurement of physician work intensity that may guide future national policy in patient safety, practice management and payment.
The results represent the second phase of the two-phase project, and measured the work intensity associated with actual patient care of 108 neurologists, family physicians, general internists and surgeons in the southeast United States.
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may go undiagnosed for much longer in veterans compared to civilians, according to a new study published in the September 6, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. This type of seizure is different from seizures related to epilepsy and is thought to have a psychological origin.
New research suggests brain tumor patients who take the seizure drug valproic acid on top of standard treatment may live longer than people who take other kinds of epilepsy medications to control seizures. The research is published in the August 31, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The American Academy of Neurology, the leading group of neurologists dedicated to managing sports concussion, is issuing a call to all youth and high school coaches, athletes and parents to learn the signs of sports concussion and to know when a player must leave the game. The call to action is part of the Academy’s latest educational campaign, which includes new tools to reduce the estimated four million sports concussions experienced each year in the United States. Learn more at www.aan.com/concussion.
The American Academy of Neurology Foundation is calling on all neurology patients and caregivers to submit a short video to its 2012 Neuro Film Festival, telling their story about why more research is needed into finding cures for brain disorders. Winners could receive up to $1,000 and a trip to New Orleans. The deadline to enter is January 31, 2012, at http://www.NeuroFilmFestival.com.
A brain imaging scan identifies biochemical changes in the brains of normal people who might be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to research published in the August 24, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
A new study shows that a simple ultrasound test may help to identify people at high risk of stroke who have a condition called asymptomatic carotid stenosis, a narrowing of the carotid artery found in the neck, in which few or no symptoms are present. The research is published in the August 17, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
A new study suggests that the relationship between brain shrinkage and memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease changes across the age spectrum. The research is published in the August 10, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
People with Parkinson’s disease who go to a neurologist for their care are more likely to live longer, less likely to be placed in a nursing home and less likely to break a hip than people who go to a primary care physician, according to a study published in the August 10, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).
A new study suggests smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and being overweight in middle age may cause brain shrinkage and lead to cognitive problems up to a decade later. The study is published in the August 2, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
New research indicates cholesterol lowering drugs known as statins may help prevent future strokes among young people who have already had a stroke. The study is published in the August 2, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
A new type of therapy may help people with symptoms such as pain, weakness, or dizziness that can’t be explained by an underlying disease, according to a study published in the July 27, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. These symptoms, which can also include fatigue, tingling and numbness, are also known as functional or psychogenic symptoms.
A new study examining the cost-effectiveness of drugs to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States finds that the health gains from these drugs come at a very high cost compared to basic therapy to control the symptoms of MS and compared to treatments for other chronic diseases. The research is published in the July 20, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Improving and maintaining health factors not traditionally associated with dementia, such as denture fit, vision and hearing, may lower a person’s risk for developing dementia, according to a new study published in the July 13, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Osteoporosis and low bone density are common in people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study published in the July 12, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
In response to the continuing shortage of medical doctors in Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake, the American Academy of Neurology is asking its 24,000 members to consider volunteering their time in Haiti. The Academy is working with Operation Blessing International to help recruit volunteer neurologists this summer and fall.
New research finds breastfeeding doesn’t appear to protect against multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, despite previous studies suggesting there may be a protective role. The research is published in the July 6, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).
A new biomarker may help identify which people with mild memory deficits will go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study published in the June 22, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The biomarker may be more accurate than the currently established biomarkers.
A new study suggests that consuming olive oil may help prevent a stroke in older people. The research is published in the June 15, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The American Academy of Neurology has launched Neurology® for the iPad® and is making the tool available free of charge for a limited time at the App Store. Neurology is the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology and is the world’s most widely read and highly cited peer-reviewed neurology journal.
The American Academy of Neurology is out with barbecue recipes sure to spice up everyone’s summer, but most importantly those with smell and taste disorders. The recipes are included in the Academy’s book, Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders, which includes 36 recipes, along with personal stories, information on how the smell and taste system works, treatments and tips for food preparation. The book was recently featured in the New York Times and is available at major bookstores and through the Academy’s online store, where people will receive a free water bottle with purchase.
Older people who regularly exercise at a moderate to intense level may be less likely to develop the small brain lesions, sometimes referred to as “silent strokes,” that are the first sign of cerebrovascular disease, according to a new study published in the June 8, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).
An analysis of several studies shows that people with Parkinson’s disease have a significantly higher risk of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the leading cause of death from skin diseases. The research is published in the June 7, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Contrary to earlier reports, a new study finds that stress does not appear to increase a person’s risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The research is published in the May 31, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
African-Americans who have multiple sclerosis (MS) have lower vitamin D levels than African-Americans who don’t have the disease, according to a study published in the May 24, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. However, most of the difference in vitamin D levels was due to differences in climate and geography.
The American Academy of Neurology will provide 1,000 free bike helmets for children who attend one of the many Bike Fests in north Minneapolis this summer, beginning with the first Bike Fest this Saturday, May 21, 2011. The donation coincides with today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the Academy’s new headquarters in Minneapolis, across from the Guthrie Theater. The five-story, 62,000 square foot building is the first substantial office building to be constructed in downtown Minneapolis in the past 10 years.
A new study suggests more than half of people who develop Alzheimer’s disease before the age of 60 are initially misdiagnosed as having other kinds of brain disease when they do not have memory problems. The research is published in the May 17, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.