Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Oct 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialTetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for cramps in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomised, double-blind crossover trial.
Many patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience cramps during the course of the disease but so far, none of the medications used has been of proven benefit. The objective was to determine the effect of orally administered tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on cramps in ALS patients. ⋯ This interventional study with orally administered THC 5 mg twice daily did not demonstrate subjective improvement of cramp intensity in ALS patients.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Oct 2010
CSF amyloid-beta and tau proteins, and cognitive performance, in early and untreated Parkinson's disease: the Norwegian ParkWest study.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is found in a considerable portion of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly those with early dementia (PDD). Altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins have been found in PDD, with intermediate changes for Aβ42 in non-demented PD. The authors investigated whether AD-related CSF protein levels are altered and relate to neuropsychological performance in early, untreated PD. ⋯ CSF Aβ levels are altered in a subset of patients with early PD and relate to memory impairment. Our study suggests that alterations in Aβ protein metabolism may contribute to the heterogeneity in pattern and course of cognitive decline associated with PD. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the clinical significance of CSF Aβ peptides as prognostic biomarkers in PD.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Sep 2010
Heat shock protein 27 R127W mutation: evidence of a continuum between axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth and distal hereditary motor neuropathy.
Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) mutations have been reported to cause both Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) type 2F and distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) although never previously in a single family. ⋯ Findings obtained in the present study, broadening the spectrum of clinical manifestations of disorders associated with HSP27 mutations, support the hypothesis of a continuum between CMT2 and dHMN forms and suggest a possible common spectrum between these entities and several forms of CMT plus pyramidal features (HMSN V), providing important implications for molecular genetic testing.