Over the past few decades there have been numerous studies investigating whether proximity to high-voltage power lines and exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The most recent epidemiological study reports that living near a power line does not increase the risk of developing dementia, Parkinson’s disease or motor neuron disease (Frei et al. Am J Epidemiol 2013; epublished April 9, 2013). Read More
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Epstein-Barr and MS: meta-analysis
March 5, 2014A new meta-analysis of 39 studies (n=10,864) has concluded that there is an association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seropositivity and MS (Almohmeed et al. PLoS One 2013;8:e61110; free full text at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3621759/pdf/pone.0061110.pdf). Seroprevalence was determined for three anti-EBV antibodies: anti-EBV nuclear antigen 1 (anti-EBNA-1) or EBNA complex; antiviral capsid antigen (anti-VCA); and anti-Early Antigen (anti-EA). Read More
Depression and discrimination: the ASPEN/INDIGO study
February 19, 2014A large multinational study has found that a majority of individuals with major depressive disorder have experienced some form of discrimination (Lasalvia et al. Lancet 2013; 381: 55–62). The study was a collaborative effort by 18 countries participating in the Anti Stigma Programme European Network (ASPEN), and 17 countries involved in the International Study of Discrimination and Stigma for Depression (INDIGO). Read More
Subthalamic stimulation useful for early motor complications
February 19, 2014A number of studies have demonstrated that deep-brain stimulation (DBS) can improve mobility, ADLs and QOL measures in patients with advanced PD with severe motor complications (Deep-Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease Study Group. N Engl J Med 2001;345:956-963. Deuschl et al. N Engl J Med 2006;355:896-908; free full text at www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa060281). Read More