Lancet neurology
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Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic neurodegenerative disorder characterised clinically by any combination of parkinsonian, autonomic, cerebellar, or pyramidal signs and pathologically by cell loss, gliosis, and glial cytoplasmic inclusions in several CNS structures. Owing to the recent advances in its molecular pathogenesis, MSA has been firmly established as an alpha-synucleinopathy along with other neurodegenerative diseases. ⋯ Although the diagnosis of this disorder is largely based on clinical expertise, several investigations have been proposed in the past decade to assist in early differential diagnosis. Symptomatic therapeutic strategies are still limited; however, several candidate neuroprotective agents have entered phase II and phase III clinical trials.
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An artist-in-residence programme at the Capital Health Memory Clinic in Halifax, Canada, was established 6 years ago. The artists contribute to the clinic's academic mission by helping to describe how Alzheimer's disease treated by cholinesterase inhibitors is providing a better understanding of human cholinergic neurotransmission. The artists also contribute to the clinical programme by helping to establish a therapeutic ambience, and by allowing clinicians to see themselves through their patients' eyes. The artist programme has inspired a design initiative for the improvement of the physical environment for older patients, and has created a unique art collection that is becoming a resource for scholarship.