Journal of the neurological sciences
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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a well-known precursor of Alzheimer's disease (AD) but often also precedes dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The early differentiation of DLB from AD is important to delay disease progression. Olfactory dysfunction is a well-known early sign of both AD and Lewy body disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and DLB. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine whether olfactory and neuropsychological tests can aid in the differentiation of DLB from AD at the MCI stage. ⋯ Olfactory and neuropsychological tests can help predict conversion to DLB or AD in patients with MCI.
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To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with neurosarcoidosis manifesting as longitudinal transverse myelitis spanning 6 or more spinal segments. ⋯ Neurosarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of longitudinal ultra-extensive myelitis, even in the absence of previously diagnosed sarcoidosis. Timely usage of corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents improves the clinical outcome of patients with ultra-extensive spinal cord sarcoidosis.
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Nocebo is very prevalent among neurological diseases resulting in low adherence and treatment outcome. We sought to examine the AEs following placebo administration in Randomized Controlled Studies (RCTs) for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). ⋯ In RCTs for AD one out of fifteen patients treated with placebo dropped out because of AEs and three out of five experienced AEs indicating that adherence and effectiveness may be adversely affected with additional implications for clinical practice. The principal implications of this paper are that nocebo deserves much.
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The association between prediabetes and distal polyneuropathy (DPN) remains controversial. Here we test whether the prevalence of small fiber sensory distal polyneuropathy is increased in prediabetes. ⋯ Based on positive sensory and pain symptoms and QSTs, we did not find an increase in small fiber sensory DPN in prediabetes. Recognizing that obesity and diabetes mellitus are implicated in macro- and microvessel complications, physicians should encourage healthy living and weight loss in patients with prediabetes. In medical practice, alternate causes should be excluded before concluding that small fiber sensory distal neuropathy is secondary to prediabetes.
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To differentiate MRI characteristics of optic neuritis associated with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). ⋯ Optic neuritis in NMO has a distinct pattern on MRI as compared with RRMS and can help differentiate these two neuroinflammatory diseases at presentation.