1,721,700 research outputs found
Author response: Cerebello-spinal tDCS in ataxia: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover trial
No full textRecent breakthroughs in the understanding of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and its related disorders.
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Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease Trials
No full textAlzheimer's disease (AD) continues to lack definitive curative therapies, necessitating an urgent exploration of innovative approaches. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent clinical trials focusing on invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques as potential interventions for AD. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) are evaluated for their therapeutic efficacy, safety, and applicability. DBS, though invasive, has shown promising results in mitigating cognitive decline, but concerns over surgical risks and long-term effects persist. On the other hand, non-invasive methods like rTMS, tDCS, and tACS have demonstrated potential in enhancing cognitive performance and delaying disease progression, with minimal side effects, but with varied consistency. The evidence hints towards an individualized, patient-centric approach to brain stimulation, considering factors such as disease stage, genetic traits, and stimulation parameters. The review also highlights emerging technologies and potential future directions, emphasizing the need for larger, multi-center trials to confirm preliminary findings and establish robust clinical guidelines. In conclusion, while brain stimulation techniques present a promising avenue in AD therapy, further research is imperative for more comprehensive understanding and successful clinical implementation. Through this review, we aim to catalyze the scientific discourse and stimulate further investigation into these novel interventions for AD
Behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia with Lewy-bodies (DLB): frequency and relationship with disease severity and motor impairment.
No full textClinical criteria for DLB have been more and more accurate over time, and they had focused on psychotic symptoms for their high frequency. Recent literature suggests that behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are frequently associated with DLB, beyond the presence of psychosis. Notwithstanding, the occurrence of BPSD in DLB is under-investigated, and no data are available yet in the different stages. Aim of the present study was to evaluate BPSD pattern in the different stages of DLB, and characterize the relationship with both cognitive deficits and Parkinsonian signs. Ninety-two DLB patients were enrolled and were divided into mild (n=63, 68.5%) and moderate-severe (n=29, 31.5%) subgroups according to the severity of cognitive impairment. Considering the absence/presence of symptoms, anxiety was the most common BPSD (67.4%), followed by depression (61.9%), apathy (57.6%), agitation and sleep disorder (55.4%). Psychosis was present in half of the patients. These symptoms worsened over disease course and represented a core-feature of the disease. No association between BPSD severity and the degree of motor disability was found. These observations suggest that a careful and systematic evaluation of BPSD is mandatory for carefully characterizing disease-related features and for developing new therapeutic approaches. Knowledge of the specific weight of BPSD in DLB would contribute to improve the allocation of health resources for dementia and to a better management of the disease
Advances in the treatment and management of frontotemporal dementia
No full textIntroduction: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by a wide range of pathological conditions associated with the buildup of proteins such as tau and TDP-43. With a strong hereditary component, FTD often results from genetic variants in three genes - MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72. Areas covered: In this review, the authors explore abnormal protein accumulation in FTD and forthcoming treatments, providing a detailed analysis of new diagnostic advancements, including innovative markers. They analyze how these discoveries have influenced therapeutic strategies, particularly disease-modifying treatments, which could potentially transform FTD management. This comprehensive exploration of FTD from its molecular underpinnings to its therapeutic prospects offers a compelling overview of the current state of FTD research. Expert opinion: Notable challenges in FTD management involve identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and response monitoring. Genetic forms of FTD, particularly those linked to C9orf72 and GRN, show promise, with targeted therapies resulting in substantial progress in disease-modifying strategies. The potential of neuromodulation techniques, like tDCS and rTMS, is being explored, requiring further study. Ongoing trials and multi-disciplinary care highlight the continued push toward effective FTD treatments. With increasing understanding of FTD's molecular and clinical intricacies, the hope for developing effective interventions grows
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