Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2007
The effects of commonly prescribed drugs in patients with Alzheimer's disease on the rate of deterioration.
Prescribed drugs in patients with Alzheimer's disease may affect the symptomatic progression of their disease, both positively and negatively. ⋯ Our findings have implications for both clinicians and trialists. Most importantly, clinicians should carefully weigh any potential benefits of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, especially in combination, against the risk of increased decline. Researchers need to be aware of the potential of not only licensed drugs for dementia but also drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system and statins in reducing progression in clinical trials.
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2007
Treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: effect on peripheral nerve function.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is suggested to be associated with peripheral nerve damage. A case-control study was conducted to provide further support to this observation. In a longitudinal intervention study, it was examined whether treatment for OSA has a possible beneficial effect on peripheral nerve function. ⋯ OSA is an independent risk factor for axonal dysfunction of peripheral sensory nerves. Impaired neural function is at least partly reversible with treatment for sleep apnoea.
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Feb 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialModerate therapeutic efficacy of positron emission tomography-navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomised, controlled pilot study.
Tinnitus has been shown to respond to modulations of cortical activity by high-frequency and low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). ⋯ Tinnitus can be attenuated by low-frequency rTMS navigated to each person's maximum tinnitus-related cortical hyperactivity. The effects are only moderate; interindividual responsiveness varies and the attenuation seems to wear off within 2 weeks after the last stimulation session. Notably, tinnitus-related anterior cingulate cortex activation seems to predict the response to rTMS treatment.
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Jan 2007
Influence of cognitive impairment on the institutionalisation rate 3 years after a stroke.
Pre-existing cognitive decline and new-onset dementia are common in patients with stroke, but their influence on institutionalisation rates is unknown. ⋯ Age and cognitive impairment are more important predictors of institutionalisation 3 years after a stroke than the severity of the physical disability.