REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY – An analysis of data from the longitudinal Einstein Aging Study (EAS) has found that bilingualism does not protect against or delay the onset of dementia or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (Saunders et al. AAN 2009; abstract S02.004).
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Neurology
Phase III trial results for cladribine: the CLARITY study
May 20, 2009REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY – Oral cladribine appears to be effective in reducing relapse rates and disability progression, according to the preliminary results from the phase III CLARITY (Cladribine tablets treating MS orally) trial (Giovannoni et al. AAN 2009; abstract LBS.001).
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Avoid valproate during pregnancy: guidelines
May 20, 2009REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY – It is relatively safe for women with epilepsy to become pregnant but valproate use and antiepileptic drug polytherapy should be avoided due to an increased risk of fetal malformations, according to new guidelines developed by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society.
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Estimating the lifetime risk of PD
May 5, 2009Researchers at Harvard University have examined a cohort of male physicians (age range 40-84) in the U.S. (n=21,970) to estimate the incidence and lifetime risk of Parkinsons disease (Driver et al. Neurology 2009;72:432-438).
Significance of oligoclonal bands in MS: conflicting reports
May 5, 2009Several recent studies have examined the clinical significance of oligoclonal bands (OCB) in cerebrospinal fluid, which are present in about 75-95% of MS patients of European descent.
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