Lancet neurology
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Telemedical networks are a new approach to improve stroke care in community settings. We aimed to assess the effects of a stroke network with telemedical support in Germany on quality of care, according to acute processes and long-term outcome. ⋯ Telemedical networks with academic stroke centres offer new and innovative approaches to improve acute stroke care at community level for stroke patients living in non-urban areas.
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Several vascular risk factors are associated with dementia. We sought to develop a simple method for the prediction of the risk of late-life dementia in people of middle age on the basis of their risk profiles. ⋯ The dementia risk score is a novel approach for the prediction of dementia risk, but should be validated and further improved to increase its predictive value. This approach highlights the role of vascular factors in the development of dementia and could help to identify individuals who might benefit from intensive lifestyle consultations and pharmacological interventions.
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Comparative Study
Plasma Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) and the risk of dementia: a prospective case-cohort study.
Amyloid beta peptides (Abeta) are important components of plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Plasma concentrations of Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) rise with age and are increased in people with mutations that cause early-onset Alzheimer's disease. However, Abeta(1-42) concentrations may decrease early in the dementia process. We postulated that concentrations of Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) in plasma are associated with risk of dementia. ⋯ High plasma concentrations of Abeta(1-40), especially when combined with low concentrations of Abeta(1-42), indicate an increased risk of dementia. A potential role of plasma Abeta concentrations as a marker of incipient dementia warrants further investigation.