Topic Review
Monogenic Parkinson’s Disease in Populations of Non-European Ancestry
Existing data reveal a pronounced heterogeneity in the genetic background of parkinson’s disease (PD). A number of common variants in populations of European ancestry appeared to be absent or scarce in patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Large-scale studies that include genetic screening in African, Asian or Latin American populations are underway. The outcomes of such efforts will facilitate further clinical studies and will possibly contribute to the identification of either new pathogenic mutations in already described genes or novel PD-related genes.
  • 95
  • 22 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Management and Treatment for Dysphagia in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Patients with neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) often experience functional dysphagia, which may involve dysfunction in a specific phase of swallowing or in the entire process. Distinguishing the etiology of dysphagia can be difficult, and it is important to always look out for signs pointing to NDD as the cause. Thorough diagnostic work-up is essential, and it includes a comprehensive history and physical examination, alongside swallowing function tests, such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, videofluoroscopic swallowing study, and high-resolution manometry. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach with a treatment plan tailored to each patient. 
  • 97
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Therapeutic Strategies in Children with Epilepsy
Children with epilepsy are affected by several factors, including clinical and social variables. Among these variables, cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances, perceptions of stigma, and fatigue can lead to reductions in quality of life (QOL). Epileptic activities, including seizure severity, frequent seizures, and status epilepticus (SE), have been identified as important predictors of QOL. In addition, the frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) on electroencephalogram (EEG) may also be an important predictor of QOL, because IEDs can lead to cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances. Moreover, frequent seizures and/or IEDs may play a role in emotional mediators, such as stigma and fatigue, in childhood epilepsy. Seizure severity and/or IEDs are, therefore, important QOL-related factors in childhood epilepsy. 
  • 139
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Brain Health and Cognition in Older Adults
Defined by the WHO as dynamic and adaptable across life stages, it emphasizes the importance of cognitive function in aging and the need to prevent cognitive decline. Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) emerges as a precursor to cognitive decline, with potential markers for progression identified. Preventive strategies target modifiable risk factors like diabetes, depression, and lifestyle choices, with multidomain personalized interventions showing promise in preserving cognitive function. The approach should also extends beyond high-risk individuals to a universal preventive model, stressing societal and political changes to promote brain health globally.
  • 93
  • 12 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Appropriate Vestibular Stimulation in Children and Adolescents
The structural development of the vestibular part of the inner ear is completed by birth but its central connections continue to develop until adolescence. Their development is dependent on vestibular stimulation—vestibular experience. Studies have shown that vestibular function, modulated by experience and epigenetic factors, is not solely an instrument for body position regulation, navigation, and stabilization of the head and images but also influences cognition, emotion, the autonomous nervous system and hormones. 
  • 131
  • 27 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Nitrous Oxide Abuse
The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O), also called laughing gas, has increased significantly in recent years. In 2022, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) recognized it as one of the most prevalent psychoactive substances used in Europe. Chronic nitrous oxide (N2O) exposure can lead to various clinical manifestations. The most frequent symptoms are neurological (sensitive or motor disorders), but there are also other manifestations like psychiatric manifestations or cardiovascular disorders (thrombosis events). N2O also affects various neurotransmitter systems, leading to its anesthetic, analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. N2O is very challenging to measure in biological matrices. Thus, in cases of N2O intoxication, indirect biomarkers such as vitamin B12, plasma homocysteine and plasma MMA should be explored for diagnosis and assessment. 
  • 182
  • 13 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Potential of Antimicrobials in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Microbes, including bacteria and certain viruses, particularly Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), have been linked to the pathogenesis of MS. While there is currently no cure for MS, antibiotics and antivirals have been studied as potential treatment options due to their immunomodulatory ability that results in the regulation of the immune process. 
  • 97
  • 01 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Globally, many individuals struggle with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an unrelenting and incapacitating neurodegenerative condition. Despite notable research endeavors, effective remedies for AD remain constrained, prompting the exploration of innovative therapeutic avenues. Within this context, silica-based nanoplatforms have emerged with pronounced potential due to their unique attributes like expansive surface area, customizable pore dimensions, and compatibility with living systems. These nanoplatforms hold promise as prospective interventions for AD.
  • 325
  • 01 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Invasive Treatments of Laryngeal Dystonia
Laryngeal dystonia (LD), known or termed as spasmodic dysphonia, is a rare movement disorder with an unknown cause affecting the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Neurophysiological studies point to perturbed inhibitory processes, while conventional genetic studies reveal fragments of genetic architecture in LD. 
  • 80
  • 22 Nov 2023
Topic Review
From CGRP to PACAP: Novel Antimigraine Drug Targets
Migraine is a neurovascular disorder that can be debilitating for individuals and society. Current research focuses on finding effective analgesics and management strategies for migraines by targeting specific receptors and neuropeptides. Nonetheless, newly approved calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have a 50% responder rate ranging from 27 to 71.0%, whereas CGRP receptor inhibitors have a 50% responder rate ranging from 56 to 71%. To address the need for novel therapeutic targets, researchers are exploring the potential of another secretin family peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), as a ground-breaking treatment avenue for migraine. Preclinical models have revealed how PACAP affects the trigeminal system, which is implicated in headache disorders. Clinical studies have demonstrated the significance of PACAP in migraine pathophysiology; however, a few clinical trials remain inconclusive: the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide 1 receptor mAb, AMG 301 showed no benefit for migraine prevention, while the PACAP ligand mAb, Lu AG09222 significantly reduced the number of monthly migraine days over placebo in a phase 2 clinical trial. Meanwhile, another secretin family peptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is gaining interest as a potential new target.
  • 266
  • 21 Nov 2023
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