Long-term use of common cardiovascular drugs may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia, according to data from Sweden published in Alzheimer's & Dementia. However, the study also indicated that anti-platelet use of any duration was associated with a higher risk of dementia.
Fampridine and Working Memory
Repeated intake of fampridine (Fampyra), a potassium channel blocker typically used to improve walking in multiple sclerosis (MS), has shown promise in enhancing working memory performance in adults with lower cognitive abilities, according to a study in Molecular Psychiatry. This suggests a potential cognitive benefit beyond its established motor function applications.
Cancer Immunotherapy in MS Patients
A retrospective analysis suggests that pre-existing MS should not be a contraindication for using immune checkpoint inhibitors in older patients with cancer. The findings, published in Neurology, address concerns about immune-related adverse events in this population.
AI in Neurology
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making strides in neurology, with applications ranging from identifying phenotypes of Chiari type-1 malformation and syringomyelia to predicting neurology prognoses. Neurosurgery published a study identifying three presenting phenotypes of Chiari type-1 malformation and syringomyelia using AI. JAMA Neurology discussed how AI-enabled medical devices might affect neurology prognoses.
Parkinson's Disease
Interim data from a phase II study revealed that investigational ACI-7104.056 induced high anti-alpha-synuclein antibody levels in patients with early Parkinson's disease, according to AC Immune. Additionally, research published in npj Parkinson's Disease correlated rest tremor with dopamine levels preserved in the caudate nucleus. Researchers have also proposed hospital care standards to avoid preventable harms to Parkinson's patients, as reported in the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.
Migraine Treatment
The FDA has expanded the age indication for the Nerivio migraine treatment device to include pediatric patients, Theranica announced. This expands access to this therapy for younger individuals suffering from migraine.
Alzheimer's Disease
The FDA also authorized icometrix's AI-driven MRI software to detect and grade amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) in Alzheimer's patients treated with amyloid-targeting therapies. Furthermore, investigational gantenerumab trial data indicated that ARIA with edema had no long-term effect on cognitive performance in most early Alzheimer's participants, according to a study in JAMA Neurology.
Other Neurological Updates
Systemic dexamethasone was associated with improved survival free of cerebral palsy when bronchopulmonary dysplasia risk was greater than 70%, compared with no treatment, according to a study in JAMA Pediatrics. Additionally, The Guardian explored why cancer survivors are less likely to develop Alzheimer's, and AARP announced a partnership with health organizations to help identify dementia risk factors.
