Latest news with #AmericanAcademyofNeurology
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Air pollution exposure may raise risk of meningioma brain tumour, new research finds
Breathing polluted air daily may do more harm than we thought—especially to your brain. A new Danish study published in Neurology has found a potential link between long-term air pollution exposure and a higher risk of developing meningioma, a typically non-cancerous but serious type of brain tumour. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The research followed nearly four million adults over 21 years and revealed that exposure to ultrafine particles—like those from traffic and diesel fumes—was associated with increased tumour risk. These findings add to growing evidence that air pollution doesn't just affect your lungs and heart—it may impact brain health too. Meningioma brain tumour development linked to air pollution in large-scale study A new large-scale has found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution over long periods may face an increased risk of developing meningioma—a type of brain tumour that is typically non-cancerous but can still cause serious health problems. Published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the study followed nearly four million Danish adults over a span of 21 years. Researchers tracked the development of tumours of the central nervous system and found that approximately 16,600 participants were diagnosed during that period—of which 4,600 cases were meningioma. What is meningioma brain tumour and why is it a concern? Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour. While usually benign (non-cancerous), they can grow large enough to press on nearby brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels, potentially leading to neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, or seizures. Because they grow slowly, they can go unnoticed for years. Ultrafine particles in air pollution linked to higher brain tumour risk To estimate long-term pollution exposure, researchers assessed air quality in participants' neighborhoods—particularly traffic-related emissions, diesel exhaust, and ultrafine particles such as those found in smoke and vehicle fumes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The analysis revealed a clear link between higher air pollution levels and increased risk of meningioma, especially in those exposed to ultrafine particles. However, no strong connection was observed between air pollution and more aggressive or cancerous tumours, such as gliomas. According to lead study author , a senior scientist at the Danish Cancer Institute, these findings add to the growing understanding that air pollution doesn't just harm the lungs and heart—but may also affect the brain. 'While research on the health effects of ultrafine particles is still in its early stages, these findings point to a possible link between traffic-related ultrafine particle exposure and the development of meningioma,' said Hvidtfeldt in a statement. How can air pollution affect brain health? Although the study does not establish direct causation, it strengthens the growing body of evidence suggesting that airborne pollutants can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially triggering inflammation or damage to brain tissue. Previous research has found that ultrafine particles, due to their small size, may penetrate deeply into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and reach the brain, where they may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases or cognitive decline. Other known risk factors for meningiomas brain tumour While the exact cause of meningioma is still unclear, other recognised risk factors include: Radiation exposure, especially during childhood Hormonal factors (more common in women) Genetic conditions such as Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) This study sheds new light on the possible role of environmental triggers like air quality in meningioma development. While the findings are significant, researchers noted several limitations. Pollution exposure was estimated based on outdoor air quality in residential areas and did not account for time spent indoors or at work, where pollution levels can differ. The authors emphasised that more detailed studies are needed to confirm these results and explore whether reducing air pollution could help lower the risk of developing brain tumours.
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Mayo Clinic's AI tool identifies 9 dementia types, including Alzheimer's, with one scan
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps clinicians identify brain activity patterns linked to nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, using a single, widely available scan - a transformative advance in early, accurate diagnosis. The tool, StateViewer, helped researchers identify the dementia type in 88% of cases, according to research published online on June 27, 2025, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. It also enabled clinicians to interpret brain scans nearly twice as fast and with up to three times greater accuracy than standard workflows. Researchers trained and tested the AI on more than 3,600 scans, including images from patients with dementia and people without cognitive impairment. This innovation addresses a core challenge in dementia care: identifying the disease early and precisely, even when multiple conditions are present. As new treatments emerge, timely diagnosis helps match patients with the most appropriate care when it can have the greatest impact. The tool could bring advanced diagnostic support to clinics that lack neurology expertise. The rising toll of dementia Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. Alzheimer's disease, the most common form, is now the fifth-leading cause of death globally. Diagnosing dementia typically requires cognitive tests, blood draws, imaging, clinical interviews and specialist referrals. Even with extensive testing, distinguishing conditions such as Alzheimer's, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia remains challenging, including for highly experienced specialists. StateViewer was developed under the direction of David Jones, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist and director of the Mayo Clinic Neurology Artificial Intelligence Program. 'Every patient who walks into my clinic carries a unique story shaped by the brain's complexity,' Dr. Jones says. 'That complexity drew me to neurology and continues to drive my commitment to clearer answers. StateViewer reflects that commitment - a step toward earlier understanding, more precise treatment and, one day, changing the course of these diseases.' To bring that vision to life, Dr. Jones worked alongside Leland Barnard, Ph.D., a data scientist who leads the AI engineering behind StateViewer. 'As we were designing StateViewer, we never lost sight of the fact that behind every data point and brain scan was a person facing a difficult diagnosis and urgent questions,' Dr. Barnard says. 'Seeing how this tool could assist physicians with real-time, precise insights and guidance highlights the potential of machine learning for clinical medicine.' Turning brain patterns into clinical insight The tool analyzes a fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan, which shows how the brain uses glucose for energy. It then compares the scan to a large database of scans from people with confirmed dementia diagnoses and identifies patterns that match specific types, or combinations, of dementia. Alzheimer's typically affects memory and processing regions, Lewy body dementia involves areas tied to attention and movement, and frontotemporal dementia alters regions responsible for language and behavior. StateViewer displays these patterns through color-coded brain maps that highlight key areas of brain activity, giving all clinicians, even those without neurology training, a visual explanation of what the AI sees and how it supports the diagnosis. Mayo Clinic researchers plan to expand the tool's use and will continue evaluating its performance in a variety of clinical settings. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Medscape
27-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
New Guidance on the Use of Unproven Neurologic Therapeutics
A new position statement outlining guiding principles for navigating the use of unproven therapies for neurologic conditions that lack approval from the FDA or robust scientific evidence has been released by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The statement is intended to support informed conversations between clinicians, patients, and policymakers about emerging or unproven treatments. While it includes examples of such therapies, the document stops short of offering clinical recommendations. The use of emerging neurologic therapies not yet supported by science has been 'an ongoing concern,' with patients often asking providers about these therapies, the statement's lead author Larry B. Goldstein, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Neurology and associate dean for Clinical Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, told Medscape Medical News. Developed in response to requests from AAN members seeking guidance on emerging therapeutics, the statement outlines guiding principles to support clinical and policy discussions. It was published online on June 25 in Neurology. Lack of FDA-Approved Options Many neurologic diseases have no available FDA-approved therapeutic options and no, or limited, evidence-based treatments. However, many potential treatments, both synthetic and naturally occurring, may be in varying stages of expert evaluation for neurologic conditions. Psychedelics have emerged as potential therapies for pain disorders such as cluster headache, as well as psychiatric conditions including major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety, and substance use disorders. However, data on psychedelics' risks and benefits for these indications are limited. The AAN committee cites the example of midomafetamine combined with psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. Although this approach has generated interest, an FDA advisory committee recently recommended against its approval, citing significant methodological flaws in the supporting studies and advising the FDA to reject the Investigational New Drug Application. 'This illustrative example highlights the need for rigorous, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials to adequately test the effectiveness of these therapies while exhaustively documenting adverse events to characterize patient safety issues,' the statement's authors noted. The AAN supports the FDA-accelerated review of novel therapeutics for neurologic conditions 'when this process is appropriate,' said Goldstein. Off-Label Use The statement also addresses the expanded use of therapies beyond their original FDA-approved indications — for example, the off-label use of alteplase for thrombolysis in ischemic stroke patients treated 3-4.5 hours after they were last known to be well, as well as the use of tenecteplase in select cases of acute ischemic stroke. Goldstein noted that these examples reflect issues commonly encountered in hospitals nationwide. 'The AAN supports the off-label use of FDA-approved therapies in settings in which the high-quality evidence indicates that the benefit of the therapy outweighs the risks with shared decision-making between the patient and physician in the model of informed consent,' the statement authors noted. Another example is natalizumab, a humanized IgG4κ monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug was initially withdrawn from the market following reports of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. However, it was later reintroduced, as some patients with MS have no alternative therapies to effectively manage their disease. Physician-patient discussions about unproven therapies might include situations where patients are considering their 'Right to Try.' Signed into law in 2018, the Right to Try Act allows individuals with a terminal illness who have tried all approved treatments and who are unable to participate in a clinical trial to receive an experimental treatment. The statement also addresses the issue of adverse events reported after FDA approval. For example, the statin cerivastatin was approved for cholesterol reduction but was withdrawn from clinical use following reports of deaths and hospitalizations. These cases, said Goldstein, illustrate the complexity of this issue. 'It's particularly challenging because healthcare providers must be constantly aware of new data that may become available as therapeutics enter general use after FDA approval,' said Goldstein. In cases where a therapy is approved but carries significant risks or an incomplete adverse event profile, the statement advises that the AAN should generally refrain from taking a definitive position until further review by the FDA is completed. Unproven 'Treatments' The authors also address the use of therapeutics with limited or no supporting data, many of which have been popularized on social media, to treat or prevent conditions such as dementia. Such use not only exposes patients to unknown risks but may also discourage them from pursuing evidence-based treatments or participating in clinical trials that could offer potential benefits, Goldstein noted. When seeing patients, healthcare providers should discuss potential participation in a relevant trial and ask more detailed questions about the use of unproven therapies, he said. 'Physicians should routinely not only confirm their patient's prescribed medications but also ask about any other substances they may be using. Some, including certain supplements, may have potential toxicities or interactions with prescribed medications.' Discussions between neurologists and patients about unproven therapies are becoming increasingly relevant. 'In the current climate of unfiltered, at times incorrect or misinterpreted information, having a trustworthy source of fact-based advice is critically important,' said Goldstein. 'The neurologist brings particular expertise and training related to neurological disorders and what is known about the risks and benefits of potential treatments to help inform patient decisions,' he added. The AAN policy statement offers 'a framework' to guide neurologists in their role as patient advocates, Goldstein added. Although it does not address specific treatments, it does provide a structure for conversations with patients, said Goldstein.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Tired all the time? Doctors say the culprit could be a silent 'mini-stroke'
Some strokes may go unnoticed but leave you drained for at least a year. Known as mini-strokes or , they may cause brief blockage of blood flow to the brain and can last for up to a day. If you have been feeling perpetually tired for many months now, this lingering fatigue may be due to that you never knew you had. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mini strokes can go unnoticed by many as they show subtle signs like a slurred speech, or arm weakness, and the physical symptoms disappear within a day. More than 240,000 Americans and about 45,000 Brits experience them one every year but only one in 30 realize they have had one. The most debilitating side effect of the mini-stroke is the fatigue that linger. The tiredness that never gets better with rest. It's especially common in people with anxiety and depression issues. What is a transient ischemic attack? A transient ischemic attack (TIA) causes symptoms similar to stroke but they happen for a very brief period of time. The blood flow to the brain is obstructed for a very short period. This is the reason it is also known as a mini stroke. It may last for a few minutes and doesn't cause long-term damage. However, a mini stroke could be a precursor to a bigger stroke. About 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the TIA. It is important to pay attention to your health and take all measures to prevent future strokes. What the new study is saying The new study published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and done by Danish researchers says the mini strokes may leave the people suffering from it fatigued for up to a year. One of the reasons TIA may cause fatigue could be due to the brain's need to compensate for the temporary disruption in blood flow. The brain has to work extra hard to complete tasks after a TIA and this effort can lead to increased energy consumption and . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The study reveals a strong link between mini-stroke and persistent fatigue. 'People with a transient ischemic attack can have symptoms such as face drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech, and these resolve within a day,' said study author Boris Modrau, MD, PhD, of Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark. 'However, some have reported continued challenges including reduced quality of life, thinking problems, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Our study found that for some people, fatigue was a common symptom that lasted up to one year after the transient ischemic attack. ' Researchers tracked 354 people (average age 70) for a year after a mini-stroke, monitoring fatigue through questionnaires at multiple intervals. Initially, 61% reported significant fatigue. Even after a year, 54% still experienced it. Fatigue scores dropped only slightly over time, showing that tiredness often lingers long after physical symptoms fade. As per the study, the brain scans of the participants who had long term fatigue were the same as those who didn't have it. However, researchers found that people with prior anxiety or depression issues were twice more likely to report lasting fatigue. A mini stroke can cause a certain degree of brain damage when it occurs, though the damage is not as severe as a classic stroke. This small damage could lead to muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and a general sense of weariness - all signs of fatigue. Most ignored signs of cancer!
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Condition May Raise Your Early-Onset Dementia Risk by 24%, New Study Says
Reviewed by Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A., RD"Key Takeaways" A new study suggests metabolic syndrome increases the risk of dementia diagnosis before age 65. In some cases, you can reverse metabolic syndrome through healthy habit changes. Diet, exercise, stress, sleep and socialization all influence metabolic syndrome and dementia syndrome is a cluster of several conditions, and it's diagnosed in people who exhibit three of five conditions, including high waist circumference, low HDL (beneficial) cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood triglycerides. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome tends to increase as we get older. One study cites the rate at nearly 20% for those 20 to 39 years old but nearly 50% of those aged 60 and over. Metabolic syndrome increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes—it also increases your risk of dementia. While we often think of dementia and metabolic syndrome as being diseases of 'old age,' there is evidence that these conditions may be on the increase in younger people. This connection and prevalence is an area researchers in Korea wanted to hone in on and learn more about. The research team published their findings in the American Academy of Neurology's journal Neurology. Let's break down what they found. Related: 5 Sneaky Signs You May Have Metabolic Syndrome, According to Experts The goal of this study was to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome in midlife (ages 40 to 60) and the incidence of young-onset dementia. Young-onset dementia, also called early-onset dementia, is dementia diagnosed before age 65. The researchers also examined which components of metabolic syndrome are most strongly associated with an increased risk of young-onset dementia. Researchers drew their data from the Korean National Insurance Service, a government-run health insurance system in South Korea that covers more than 99% of its population. The services include regular biennial health checkups that gather clinical and lifestyle data, income levels and medical diagnoses. After initially extracting data for more than 4 million people, researchers ultimately included around 2 million participants between the ages of 40 and 60 for this study who had undergone a general health screening in 2009. Participants were followed for an average of eight years. Just over half of the participants were men. Of the participants, just over 25% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. This included having at least three of the following: Elevated waist circumference: ≥90 cm in men, ≥80 cm in women High blood pressure: systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg, or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg; or use of medication for high blood pressure High blood sugar levels: elevated fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL or use of oral medication for high blood sugar High blood triglycerides: ≥150 mg/dL or use of medication for high triglycerides Low HDL (beneficial) cholesterol: <40 mg/dL in men, <50 mg/dL in women; or use of medication for low HDL-C About 60% of the metabolic syndrome group were participants in their 50s, and 40% in their 40s. Men made up over 62% of this group. Researchers gathered demographic and lifestyle data that were adjusted for during statistical analyses. These included age, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, regular exercise and income level. In addition, they also gathered medical diagnoses of the participants that occurred during the study period, focusing on dementia, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Related: 5 Supplements You Shouldn't Take If You Have Metabolic Syndrome, According to Dietitians After running several statistical analyses, results suggested that metabolic syndrome in people ages 40 to 60 was associated with a: 24% higher risk of all-cause young-onset dementia—all-cause meaning all types of dementia. 12% increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. 21% increased risk of vascular dementia—a type of dementia caused by damage to the brain's blood vessels, thus reducing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Researchers also broke findings down for men and women. They found that men with metabolic syndrome had a 15% higher risk of young-onset dementia, and women with metabolic syndrome had a 34% higher risk of young-onset dementia. Related: This Underrated Drink Could Help Slow the Progression of Alzheimer's, New Study Says In addition, being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome in the 40s increased the risk of young-onset dementia more than being diagnosed in the 50s. And while all the components (risk factors) of metabolic syndrome were associated with an increased risk of young-onset dementia, the risk progressively increased with the number of components present. Researchers pointed out several limitations of their study. First, they cannot say whether their results extend to people outside of South Korea. They also did not include other variables that influence young-onset dementia risk, like the presence of certain genes, family history of YOD, history of traumatic brain injury, hearing loss and education level. Researchers note that they also lacked detailed behavioral (i.e. mental health) and environmental data, which can also influence dementia risk. Related: The #1 Spice for Metabolic Syndrome, According to Dietitians Dementia is more than just forgetting someone's name or where you put your keys. It interferes with one's ability to think, remember, understand, communicate and reason. Over time, it diminishes physical abilities, too, as the brain forgets how to do simple activities that used to be second nature. While influenced by genetics, the components of metabolic syndrome may be a result of lifestyle choices. And they're the same lifestyle choices that also influence your risk of other diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and dementia. And many of these diseases and conditions are linked. For example, type 2 diabetes has been associated with an increased risk of dementia. And healthy cholesterol levels reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as dementia. Considering how all of these conditions are intertwined, it makes sense that there might be a common denominator. Scientists believe one of them is chronic inflammation, which can have several causes, including chronic stress, poor sleep quality, poor diet quality, microbiome imbalances and lack of physical activity. Related: The #1 High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Snack, According to a Dietitian That means certain lifestyle changes can help on that front, that said, nothing is perfect, and no one habit—or combination of habits—will guarantee you will be free of inflammation or disease. But evidence does lean toward people with healthier habits being at lower risk. Not sure where to begin? What habit are you most likely to see the quickest success in? For example, do you enjoy a walk or a trip to the gym occasionally? Maybe start there, gradually building a regular habit. Or if you've been wanting to branch out and try some new recipes, now could be a good time to add some tasty, healthy options to your arsenal. For inspiration, we have meal plans for just about any goal or condition. To get going, check out this beginner-friendly anti-inflammatory plan or this 30-day MIND diet plan, designed specifically for brain health. If you've tried everything to get a good night's sleep but are still struggling, consider a visit with your healthcare practitioner. You might have a sleep disorder, like insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea, and they may be able to help you with specific strategies to help sleep come easily. Related: The #1 Nutrient to Improve Metabolic Syndrome, According to Experts Overall, this study suggests that individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome in midlife have a higher likelihood of developing young-onset dementia compared with those without metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle choices and habits play a huge role in disease risk. Start today by doing one beneficial thing for your health and then repeat it each day. Over time, small changes can become big improvements. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
