Neurology® Podcast

Dr. David Perez, a specialist in physiotherapy for functional motor disorders, joins Dr. Glenn Nielsen, an expert in effective treatment approaches. They delve into the efficacy of specialized physiotherapy versus usual care, emphasizing patient satisfaction and the need for robust rehabilitation trials. The conversation also highlights unique challenges in treating functional motor disorders and the critical intersection of neurology and psychiatry. Their insights advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to enhance treatment outcomes for patients.

Dr. Stacey Clardy, a specialist in updated practices for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), joins Dr. Mary Schroth, an expert in treatment options. They discuss revised SMA guidelines, emphasizing the new newborn screening set for January 2024. The conversation covers the genetics behind SMA and how modern treatments are changing outcomes, especially for babies diagnosed early. They confront the ongoing challenges in care and research, particularly regarding neurocognitive effects and the shift towards adult SMA patients.

The September 2024 recall features previously posted Neurology Minute episodes by Dr. Alison Christy, focusing on Women in History Minutes. Dr. Christy has curated an outstanding series highlighting numerous women and their significant contributions to the field of neurology. In honor of Women in Medicine Month, we've compiled some of the best moments from her series to celebrate these remarkable pioneers. Tune in to celebrate the remarkable contributions of these women and their lasting impact on the medical field. Mary Putnam Jacobi Eliska Klimkova-Deutschova Dorothy Russell Louise Eisenhardt Rita Levi Montalcini Sarah McNutt Augsta Dejerine-Klumpke Forence Rena Sabin Kinuko Suzuki Marian Molly Putnam Ema Gibbs Mary Broadfoot Walker Isabelle Rapin Mary Spink and Alice Bennett Marie Joubert Mary Anne Guggenheim Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Gregg Day, a specialist in Alzheimer's diagnostics, interviews Dr. Sebastian Palmqvist, a leading researcher in blood biomarker studies for Alzheimer's. They discuss the evolution of Alzheimer’s diagnosis, highlighting the shift to blood tests for streamlined and cost-effective evaluations. The conversation covers the accuracy of these biomarkers and the challenges of integrating them into clinical practice. The duo also addresses interpreting intermediate test results and the importance of establishing trust among healthcare professionals in these innovative diagnostic tools.

Dr. Calum Alexander Hamilton, an expert on managing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), joins Dr. Jeff Ratliff, who specializes in outcomes for Lewy body pathology. They delve into the critical importance of monitoring patients with MCI, particularly those at risk of progressing to dementia. The conversation highlights alarming rates of dementia development among these individuals, comparing the timelines for Lewy bodies versus Alzheimer’s disease. They also stress the vital role of brain tissue donation in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and understanding of dementia subtypes.

Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Dr. Nicola de Souza about neuropsychological profiles of deployment-related mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder among service members and veterans. Read the related article in Neurology. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Jeff Ratliff, a dedicated researcher, joins Dr. Daniel Weintraub, a noted expert on dementia in Parkinson's disease, to discuss the evolving understanding of long-term dementia risk. They reveal that up to 80% of Parkinson's patients may develop dementia over 15 to 20 years, challenging earlier beliefs about onset timing. Exploration of biomarkers offers new insights into cognitive decline. The conversation also emphasizes holistic approaches, advocating for regular cognitive screenings and considering non-motor symptoms in patient care.

Dr. Jeff Ratliff, a specialist in DAT imaging, joins Dr. Eduardo De Pablo-Fernández, an expert on Parkinsonian disorders, to discuss the critical role of dopamine transporter imaging in diagnosis. They explore how DAT imaging can effectively differentiate between Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, while also addressing its limitations in tau-related conditions. Key insights include the influence of alpha-synuclein on neurodegenerative disorders and the challenges of interpreting imaging results, particularly for progressive supranuclear palsy.

Dr. Luciano A. Sposato, a specialist in embolic strokes, dives into the complex world of cardiac monitoring and anticoagulation. He discusses the pivotal research on embolic stroke of undetermined source, highlighting the challenges of secondary stroke prevention. The conversation covers evolving treatment protocols for patients with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, the significance of personalized strategies, and innovative approaches using biomarkers and wearable tech for stroke risk prediction. It's a fascinating look at reshaping stroke management.

Dr. Gaspard Gerschenfeld, a medical expert in thrombolytics, joins the conversation to discuss the implications of tenecteplase and alteplase in treating patients with large ischemic cores. He highlights a comparative study showing tenecteplase leads to better outcomes and lower mortality compared to alteplase at three months. The use of MRI versus CT scans in stroke assessment is also explored, emphasizing the importance of accurate imaging in urgent care. The dialogue stresses the need for further research to enhance stroke treatment efficacy.