FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·April 30, 2020Researchers unravel protein mystery of three brain diseasesResearchers have identified two different shapes of alpha-synuclein associated with multiple systems atrophy (MSA) and Lewy body dementia. The structure of the protein is helical in MSA, causing the symptoms to occur more quickly and aggressively. In Lewy body dementia, the protein takes on a cylindrical form. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·November 7, 2019Where does Parkinson’s disease start? In the brain or gut? Or both?Lewy body disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, comprise of two distinct subtypes. One subtype originates in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of the gut and spreads to the brain. The other originates in the brain, or enters the brain via the olfactory system, before spreading to the brainstem and PNS. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·September 23, 2019Walking patterns can identify dementia typePeople with two common types of dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, have unique walking patterns. The gait type signals subtle differences between the two disorders. Those with Lew body dementia change their steps more, varying the step time and length. They also display more asymmetry in movement compared to those with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers say gait could be a clinical biomarker for dementia subtypes. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·February 19, 2019Study Finds Ethnoracial Differences in Alzheimer’sA new study reveals Hispanic Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease tend to survive significantly longer with the condition than people from other ethnoracial groups. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePsychology·December 27, 2018Kicking and Yelling During Sleep? Risk Factors for Violent Sleep Disorder IdentifiedResearchers have identified key risk factors for a violent sleep disorder known as REM sleep behavior disorder. According to the study, taking antidepressants, having PTSD and anxiety disorders increases the risk for violent episodes during sleep. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyOpen Neuroscience Articles·December 10, 2018Two Compounds in Coffee May Team Up to Fight Parkinson’sA new study reports caffeine plus another compound found in the waxy coating of coffee beans may help protect the brain against Parkinson's disease. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyOpen Neuroscience Articles·October 31, 2018Appendix Removal May Lower Parkinson’s RiskResearchers report those who have had appendectomies have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study reveals the appendix acts as a reservoir for proteins associated with the neurodegenerative disease. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 29, 2018Understanding the Origins of Alzheimer’s DiseaseResearchers investigate the role the BMI1 gene plays in the onset and development of Alzheimer's disease. The study reports the loss of BMI1 triggers and increased production of amyloid beta and decreases neural ability to eliminate the protein. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·October 2, 2017Researchers Seek to End Damaging Dementia Psychosis CycleResearchers are developing new psychological therapies and using cutting edge techniques to help treat symptoms of psychosis in dementia. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyOpen Neuroscience Articles·September 14, 2017Molecular Link Between Parkinson’s and Prion Diseases DiscoveredResearchers detail the complex interaction between alpha synuclein and the prion protein PrPc. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyOpen Neuroscience Articles·September 10, 2017Breakthrough Study Reveals New Diagnosis for Alzheimer’sA new method of examining blood plasma allowed researchers to identify specific chemical bonds within the blood. The new technique allowed researchers to accurately distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, thus reducing cases of misdiagnosis. Read More
FeaturedNeurology·July 9, 2017What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?A common misconception is that Alzheimer's disease and dementia are the same thing. Alzheimer's disease is simply one form of dementia. Researchers from Texas A&M describe how Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia impact the lives of both patients and their families, and provide new insights into minimizing the risks of developing neurodegenerative conditions. Read More
