A randomized, controlled trial reports that Tai chi appears to be better than stretching exercises or resistance training in patients with Parkinson’s disease for improving balance and reducing the risk of falls (Li et al. N Engl J Med 2012;366:511-519).
Neurology
High cost of MS in Canada
May 16, 2012The Treatment Experience, Burden, and Unmet Needs (TRIBUNE) study is a cross-sectional observational study of the cost of MS in Canada and five European countries. According to the Canadian estimate, the mean annual cost was $30,836 per MS patient with mild disability (EDSS < 3), $46,622 per patient with moderate disability (EDSS 4-6.5), and $77,981 per patient with severe disability (EDSS score 7-9) (Karampampa et al. J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol 2012;19:e11-25; free full text at www.jptcp.com/jptcp11072e11_e25_karampampa-pdf-r180364). The estimated cost per relapse for an RRMS patient (EDSS < 5) was $10,512.
AD patients at high risk of falls
May 16, 2012An Australian study reports that patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease are at increased risk of falls compared to age-matched controls (Suttanon et al. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2012;91:12-23).
Treatment of non-motor symptoms of PD: MDS recommendations
May 2, 2012The Movement Disorder Society has presented new recommendations on the treatment of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (Seppi et al. Mov Disord 2011;26:S42-S80). The evidence-based review updates recommendations published in 2002 and 2004 (Goetz et al. Mov Disord 2002;17[suppl 4]:S1-S166; Goetz et al. Mov Disord 2005;20:523-539).
IFN-beta in CIS: phase III REFLEX results
May 2, 2012The higher dose of interferon-beta-1a (Rebif; 44 mcg) appears to effective in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of MS, according to the results of the phase III REFLEX trial (Comi et al. Lancet Neurol 2012;11:33-41).