Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · May 2019
Story of the ALS-FTD continuum retold: rather two distinct entities.
To determine the evolution and profile of cognitive and behavioural deficits in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) to disentangle the development of FTD in ALS and vice versa. ⋯ Evolution of cognitive and behavioural profile in patients with motor predominant ALS is distinctly different from those psychocognitive findings in patients with behavioural variant dementia. This may support the hypothesis that (possibly genetic) triggers decide in the preclinical phase on either motor or psychocognitive phenotypes.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · May 2019
Meta AnalysisInflammatory markers in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis and systematic review of 170 studies.
Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our study aimed to analyse previous inconsistent results of inflammatory markers in AD and MCI quantitatively. ⋯ Significantly altered levels of inflammatory markers were verified in comparison between AD, MCI and control, supporting the notion that AD and MCI are accompanied by inflammatory responses in both the periphery and CSF.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · May 2019
ReviewComplex regional pain syndrome and functional neurological disorders - time for reconciliation.
There have been many articles highlighting differences and similarities between complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and functional neurological disorders (FND) but until now the discussions have often been adversarial with an erroneous focus on malingering and a view of FND as 'all in the mind'. However, understanding of the nature, frequency and treatment of FND has changed dramatically in the last 10-15 years. ⋯ Building on this new 'whole brain' perspective of FND, we reframe the debate about the 'psychological versus physical' basis of CRPS. We recognise how CRPS research may inform mechanistic understanding of FND and conversely, how advances in FND, especially treatment, have implications for improving understanding and management of CRPS.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · May 2019
Apraxia screening predicts Alzheimer pathology in frontotemporal dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome linked to diverse types of underlying neuropathology. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical presentation and accurate prediction of underlying neuropathology remains difficult. ⋯ Apraxia is common in neurodegenerative dementias but under-represented in clinical workup and diagnostic criteria. Standardised apraxia screening may serve as bedside test to objectify an AD-typical apraxia profile as an early and robust sign of AD pathology in patients with FTD.