A 3-point change in the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-cog) score appears to be the minimal clinically relevant change for patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (Schrag et al. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012;83:171-173).
Neurology
Oral anti-alpha4-integrin in development
March 14, 2012Firategrast, an oral formulation of a natalizumab-like small molecule, produces a significant reduction in MRI lesions, according to the results of a phase II study (Miller et al. Lancet Neurol 2012; epublished January 5, 2012).
Nicotine produces benefits in MCI
March 14, 2012Administration of transdermal nicotine improves cognitive performance in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to the results of a pilot study (Newhouse et al. Neurology 2012;78:91-101).
Crossing your legs a favourable prognostic marker post-stroke
March 14, 2012A prospective, observational study in Germany reports that patients who cross their legs during a hospital stay for severe stroke have improved outcomes (Remi et al. Neurology 2011; 77:1453-1456).
Valproate: no benefit for clinical progression in AD
February 22, 2012A large, multicentre study in moderate Alzheimer’s disease has found that valproate doesn’t delay the emergence of agitation or psychosis, and doesn’t have a significant effect on cognitive decline (Tariot et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2011; 68: 853-861).