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Cognitive Symptoms in Genetic Forms of Parkinson’s Disease May Help in Distinguishing the Various Types

This paper illustrates that, of the confirmed genetic forms of Parkinson’s disease, there are common cognitive and psychiatric features, thus adding to our knowledge of the clinical phenotype of these genetic forms.

Zilucoplan for Myasthenia Gravis

Zilucoplan, a macrocyclic peptide that binds complement component C5, showed promise as an effective agent for treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis in a Phase II trial.

Special Report from the 2020 International Stroke Conference, Los Angeles

These reviews of studies presented at the 2020 International Stroke Conference were written by Neurology Alert's editor after personal attendance at the presentations, followed by review of the simultaneous publications in Stroke. All comments and opinions are solely those of the editor.

Vegetarians and Stroke

A prospective cohort study in the United Kingdom demonstrated that vegetarians have a 22% lower incidence of ischemic heart disease, but a 20% increased incidence of total stroke, mostly related to hemorrhagic stroke, when compared to meat eaters. No difference in ischemic stroke or acute myocardial infarction was found.

Bright Light Therapy in Depression and Insomnia Associated With Parkinson’s

Bright light therapy (10,000 lux intensity for 30 minutes twice daily) and a low intensity control light showed similar efficacy in treatment of depression associated with Parkinson’s disease; the bright light therapy showed some advantages in improving subjective quality of sleep.

Estrogen Replacement: Is Long Duration of Therapy Good for the Brain?

Longer lifetime exposure to endogenous estrogen and menopausal estrogen replacement were associated with better cognitive status in older adult women. Women who initiated estrogen therapy early (within five years of the onset of menopause) showed higher cognitive test scores than those who started later.

NOACs vs. Warfarin: What Are the Data in Patients With TBI and ICH?

A three-year analysis of a prospectively maintained database with traumatic brain injury patients revealed that novel oral anticoagulant use is associated with increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage progression, neurosurgical intervention, and mortality.

Are Epidural Steroid Injections Cost-Effective?

In a retrospective review of patients treated for low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy at the Cleveland Clinic, at three- and six-month follow-up, epidural steroid injections were no better than conservative therapies in quality of life measures or overall cost of medical care.

Cavum Septum Pellucidum and Cavum Vergae: Markers of Chronic Brain Injury?

A cohort study assessing participants from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study found that the presence of cavum septum pellucidum and cavum vergae is associated with lower regional brain volumes and lower cognitive performance.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Treatment of Autoimmune Epilepsies

Patients with LGI1 and CASPR2 IgG-associated autoimmune epilepsy were identified and randomized to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) vs. placebo. The authors hypothesized that IVIG would show superiority over placebo, with a primary endpoint of 50% or greater seizure reduction.