The main reason for loss of employment among MS patients is poor symptom control, according to new data from the Australian MS Longitudinal study (Simmons et al. J Neurol 2010; epublished January 19, 2010).
Neurology
Depression common in Parkinson disease + dementia
May 12, 2010An estimated 25% of patients with Parkinson disease and dementia meet diagnostic criteria for major depression, according to the results of the German Study on Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia (GEPAD) (Riedel et al. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2010; 23: 27-34).
Quetiapine vs. lithium in bipolar disorder: EMBOLDEN I results
May 12, 2010The Canadian EMBOLDEN I trial was a large randomized, double-blind trial comparing quetiapine (300 or 600 mg/day), lithium (600-1800 mg/day) or placebo in 802 patients with bipolar I or II disorder (Young et al. J Clin Psychiatry 2010; 71:150-162). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 8 in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score.
Selegiline less effective than levodopa, dopamine agonists: meta-analysis
April 28, 2010A Cochrane meta-analysis has concluded that monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitors are a treatment option in early PD patients but appear to be somewhat less effective than levodopa or a dopamine agonist (Caslake et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009; Oct 7;(4): CD006661).
Behavioural disturbances in AD: topiramate vs. risperidone
April 28, 2010Low-dose topiramate appears to be as effective as the atypical antipsychotic agent risperidone in controlling behavioural disturbances in AD patients, according to the results of a double-blind trial (Mowla & Pani. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2010; 30: 40-43).