Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Neurology for July 2017. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Research Supports Genetic Testing in Early Life Epilepsy
MONDAY, July 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Genetic investigation emphasizing sequencing tests should be incorporated into the routine initial evaluation of young children with epilepsy, according to a study published online July 31 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Increased Dementia Risk With Hearing Loss in Older Adults
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The risk of dementia is increased for older adults with hearing loss, according to a study published online July 22 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Walnuts Up Insula Activation to Highly Desirable Food Cues
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Short-term walnut consumption is associated with reduced feelings of hunger and appetite and increased activation of the right insula, according to a study published online July 17 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Light Therapy Shows Moderate Benefits for Cognitively Impaired
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For cognitively impaired individuals, light therapy has a moderate effect on behavioral disturbances (BDs) and depression, and a small effect on sleep quality, according to a meta-analysis published online July 22 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
2016 Saw Increase in Number of Physicians Since 2010 Census
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Census reports have demonstrated an increase in the number of physicians and in the actively licensed U.S. physician-to-population ratio from 2010 to 2016, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Regulation.
Morphine Effects Similar to Placebo in Rheumatoid Arthritis
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/fibromyalgia (FM) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), morphine has anti-hyperalgesic effects comparable to placebo, according to a study published online July 19 in PAIN Practice.
New, Noninvasive Method May Help Determine Dementia Type
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may get easier using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) approach, according to a study published online July 26 in Neurology.
SAMHSA: Opioid Abuse Up Among Older Adults
WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — While opioid abuse has decreased among younger Americans, the same cannot be said for older adults, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Health Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle Quantified in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For people age 50 years and older, having a favorable behavioral profile is associated with increased life expectancy and delayed onset of disability compared with the whole U.S. population, according to a study published online July 19 in Health Affairs.
Memantine Linked to Lower Neuron-Specific Enolase in TBI
WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), memantine is associated with reduced neuronal damage, as assessed by serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), according to a study published online July 19 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Nearly All Donated Brains From NFL Players Show CTE
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Ninety-nine percent of former National Football League (NFL) players who donated their brain to science were found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to a case series published in the July 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Guidelines Developed for Art Therapy for Children With ASD
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines have been developed for the use of art therapy in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a study published in the July issue of The Arts in Psychotherapy.
Greater Engagement for Patients Who Read Visit Notes
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Greater engagement is reported by patients who read notes and submit feedback, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Continuing Statin After Adverse Rx Tied to Lower Cardiac Risk
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with an adverse reaction to a statin, continued statin prescriptions are associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular events and death, according to a study published online July 25 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
ADHD Rx Associated With a Lower Risk for Alcohol, Drug Abuse
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Teens and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a lower risk of developing an alcohol or drug problem if they take medications to treat their ADHD, according to a study published online recently in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Fasting Plasma Glucose, HbA1c Linked to Alzheimer’s in T2DM
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) visit-to-visit variation, represented by the coefficient of variation (CV), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) CV are independently associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to a study published online July 13 in Diabetes Care.
Mortality, Second Stroke Risk Up for Initially Stable Survivors
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Risk of a second stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) remains considerable for at least five years after the first event, according to a study published online July 24 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Average Increase in Physician Compensation 2.9% in 2016
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The AMGA 2017 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey reports that 77 percent of physician specialties experienced increases in compensation in 2016, with an overall weighted average increase of 2.9 percent.
MYCN Copy Number Tied to Poor Features in Neuroblastoma
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The rate of unfavorable features is increased in association with increasing MYCN copy number in patients with neuroblastoma, according to a study published online July 11 in Cancer.
fMRI, EEG May Detect Consciousness in TBI Patients
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) may be able to detect consciousness in patients with severe traumatic brain injury who appear unconscious in the intensive care unit (ICU), according to a study published online July 20 in Brain.
AMA Module Offers Help for Adding Pharmacist to Practice
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new American Medical Association (AMA) education module has been developed to help embed clinical pharmacists within a medical practice.
Perceived Physical Activity Level Predicts Mortality
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Perceived physical activity is associated with mortality, even after adjustment for actual physical activity, according to a study published online July 20 in Health Psychology.
FDA Approves First Neonatal MRI Device
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device designed specifically for neonatal brain and head imaging in intensive care units has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Educational Intervention Doesn’t Up Hand, Stethoscope Hygiene
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An intervention including education is not associated with an increased rate of hand hygiene or stethoscope hygiene, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
‘Life’s Simple 7’ Adherence in 20s Tied to Better Brain Health Later
THURSDAY, July 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — People with heart-healthy habits in their 20s tend to have larger, healthier brains in their 40s, according to a study published online July 19 in Neurology.
68Ga-Somatostatin Analog PET-CT Linked to Reduced Costs
THURSDAY, July 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For imaging neuroendocrine tumors, 68Ga-somatostatin analog positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is associated with reduced costs compared with 111In-octreotide scintigraphy, according to a study published online July 17 in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.
Chronic Disease Risk Rises With Even Slow, Steady Weight Gain
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Even a few extra pounds gained in early or middle adulthood can increase risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, according to a study published in the July 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Hand Transplantation in Child Continues to Be Successful
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Heterologous bilateral hand transplantation in a child has been successful, according to a report published online July 18 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.
Reduction of Opioid Dose May Improve Pain, Quality of Life
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Reductions in opioid dosing might improve pain and function, as well as boost quality of life, according to a report published online July 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Reducing Hospital Readmissions Doesn’t Up Mortality Rates
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Reducing hospital readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia didn’t increase mortality rates, according to a study published in the July 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
High Court Rules Against Interstate Medical Liability
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Washington State high court has ruled against interstate medical liability, according to a report from the American Medical Association.
Type of Plant-Based Diet Affects Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — While a plant-based diet can reduce risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), not all plant-based foods are equally healthy, and this distinction deserves more emphasis in dietary recommendations, according to a study published in the July 25 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Infants With Potential Zika Exposure Should Have Eye Exam
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Infants exposed to the Zika virus in utero should have their eyes examined for possible virus-related abnormalities, according to research published online July 17 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Parents May Be Unclear on Teens’ Vaccination Needs
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — New research from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital suggests that many American teens may not be getting recommended vaccinations because their parents are unaware of the need for them.
Patient-Centered Communication Could Help Reduce Burnout
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Better patient-physician communication can improve care and reduce burnout, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
Wait-and-Scan Strategy Feasible for Head, Neck Paraganglioma
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A wait-and-scan strategy seems to be feasible for patients with head and neck paraganglioma (PGL), according to a study published online July 10 in Head & Neck.
Organizational Changes Encouraged for Safer Prescribing
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Organizational changes are recommended by primary care physicians to support safer prescribing, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Higher Inpatient Spending Tied to Better Outcomes
FRIDAY, July 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Investing more in inpatient care relative to longer-term nursing facilities may help reduce mortality rates, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Health Economics.
ALS, Parkinson’s Mortality Up for White-Collar Workers
FRIDAY, July 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — White collar workers have a higher risk of death from Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to research published in the July 14 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Early Career Burnout Can Be Contagious Via Social Networks
FRIDAY, July 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For early career teachers (ECTs), social network members’ burnout levels are associated with increased burnout levels, according to a study published in the August issue of Teaching and Teacher Education.
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New Vaccines Show Promise in Protecting Fetus From Zika
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Two experimental vaccines might help protect human fetuses against the Zika virus, according to a study published in the July 13 issue of Cell.
Errors in Opioid Prescribing for Adult Outpatients Common
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For adults receiving opioid medication prescriptions, errors are common, and most often occur on handwritten prescriptions, according to research published recently in the Journal of Opioid Management.
Large Study Shows Eating Better at Any Age Can Prolong Life
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Sustained diet changes — even later in life — can extend people’s lives, according to research published in the July 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Breastfeeding Appears to Lower the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Women with a longer history of breastfeeding may be less likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) than mothers who never breastfed or nurse for briefer periods, according to a study published online July 12 in Neurology.
Link for Maternal Antidepressant, Kids’ Brain Health Questioned
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is an increased risk of intellectual disability in children whose mothers take antidepressants while pregnant, but the association appears to be related to factors other than the medication use itself, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Rivaroxaban OK for Stroke Prevention in Cancer Patients
WEDNESDAY, June 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban treatment for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with active cancer is similar to the general population, according to a study published in the July 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
Medicaid Enrollees Are Satisfied With Their Health Care
WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid enrollees are largely satisfied with their health care, and most are able to access the care they need when they need it, according to a research letter published online July 10 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Meningitis After Vaccination in Eculizumab Recipients
WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Meningococcal disease can occur in eculizumab recipients who have been vaccinated, according to research published in the July 7 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Visual System Changes Could Indicate Parkinson’s Disease
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Changes in vision may be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease, according to research published online July 11 in Radiology.
Cognitive Screening Tools Can Be Used in Home Medication Review
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Suitable cognitive screening tools can be used by pharmacists during home medication review, according to research published online July 5 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
Regular Coffee Consumption May Help Extend Lifespan
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Drinking coffee is linked to longevity, according to two studies published online July 11 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Patients Are Often Recording Doctor’s Visits
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients may be recording office visits, with or without permission, according to an opinion piece published online July 10 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
American Adults Without Health Insurance Rises by Two Million
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The number of American adults without health insurance has increased by about two million so far this year, according to a new Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index poll.
Health Service Use Unchanged From 1996-1997 to 2011-2012
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Utilization of health services was largely unchanged from 1996-1997 to 2011-2012, but expenditures increased, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Parkinson’s Patients Deemed at Higher Risk of Melanoma
MONDAY, July 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with Parkinson’s disease are about four times more likely to develop melanoma, and conversely, patients with melanoma have a four-fold higher risk of developing Parkinson’s, according to a study published in the July issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Cognitive Function Up With Adherence to Mediterranean Diet
MONDAY, July 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the Mediterranean-DASH diet Intervention for Neurodegeneration Delay (MIND) is associated with improved cognitive function, according to a study published online recently in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Market Competition Linked to Change in Generic Drug Prices
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Market competition levels are associated with changes in the price of generic drugs, according to a study published online July 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Poor Sleep Could Be Modifiable Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Sleep quality is associated with risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to research published online July 5 in Neurology.
Traumatic Brain Injury May Up Later Risk of Dementia
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A severe head injury, especially during middle age, could dramatically increase the risk for developing dementia later in life, according to research published online July 5 in PLOS Medicine.
Radiofrequency Denervation Unlikely to Ease Low Back Pain
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Radiofrequency denervation does no more than strength and mobility exercises for low back pain, according to a study published in the July 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
AMA: Doctors Should Make Sure Their Online Info Is Accurate
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a technologically advanced society, physicians need to take advantage of the internet to reach patients and exercise caution in their online presence, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
At-Risk Pain Patients Can Cut Opioid Use With Psychology Tools
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Teaching coping skills may help reduce the risk that patients with chronic pain will become addicted to opioids, according to research published online June 28 in the Canadian Journal of Pain.
Concussion Can Increase Risk of Abnormal Menstrual Patterns
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Adolescent and young women have significantly increased odds of multiple, abnormal menstrual patterns following concussion, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Pre-, Post-Op C-Reactive Protein Levels Tied to Delirium
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For older adults undergoing major noncardiac surgery, preoperative and postoperative day 2 (POD2) C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with the incidence, duration, and severity of delirium, according to a study published online May 26 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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