Neurology® Podcast

Dr. Clifford R. Jack Jr, a leading Alzheimer's disease researcher from the Mayo Clinic, shares cutting-edge insights into diagnosing and staging Alzheimer’s disease. The discussion highlights the pivotal role of biomarkers, moving beyond traditional dementia symptoms. Jack emphasizes the classification of core biomarkers related to A-beta and tau proteins, advocating for their use in early intervention. He also outlines future directions that blend clinical practice with scientific advancement, aiming for improved patient care and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Gordon Smith talks with Dr. Whitley Aamodt about end-of-life care for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on healthcare utilization, hospice enrollment, and the importance of early conversations about care preferences. Read the related article in Neurology. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Oumaima Aboubakr, a neuro-oncologist specializing in primary CNS lymphoma and epilepsy, shares vital insights on the surprising prevalence of seizures in these patients, noting that 25% experience them. She discusses how seizures can signal tumor activity and impact disease progression and prognosis. Aboubakr emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and adaptable treatment plans to manage seizure activity effectively. Her analysis urges healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of seizure risks associated with CNS lymphoma.

In the final part of this three-part series, Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Drs. Elisabeth Bik and Matthew Schrag about the challenges posed by AI in generating fraudulent research, the importance of cultural solutions to uphold scientific integrity, and the need for modernized data management practices in research. Read the related article in Undark.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

In part two of this special three-part series, Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Drs. Elisabeth Bik and Matthew Schrag about the processes involved in addressing concerns about research integrity, covering the role of public platforms, using social media for awareness, identifying potential research fraud, and the need for cultural change within the scientific community to prioritize ethical practices. Read the related article in Undark. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

In the first part of this special three-part series, Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Drs. Elisabeth Bik and Matthew Schrag about critical issues surrounding research integrity and misconduct. Read the related article in Undark. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Farrah Mateen talks with Dr. Katrin Seeher about the significant global burden of neurologic conditions, which affects over 3.4 billion people worldwide, and the strategies the WHO is implementing to improve care and awareness. Read the related article in The Lancet Neurology. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.  

Dr. Colin Hoy, an expert in prodromal Parkinson's disease, tackles ethical considerations on early diagnosis. Dr. Chris Gibbons sheds light on the innovative use of skin biopsies to detect phosphorylated α-synuclein, showcasing its high sensitivity. Drs. Michiko K. Bruno and Lawrence Golbe discuss practical algorithms for diagnosing atypical parkinsonism, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches and comprehensive training for healthcare professionals. This conversation navigates the complexities of diagnosis and the promising advancements in neurodegenerative disorder detection.

Dr. Nanditha Rajamani, a researcher specializing in deep brain stimulation, and Dr. Andy Horn, a neurology innovator, dive into the transformative potential of personalized DBS therapy for Parkinson's disease. They discuss cutting-edge advancements, such as tailoring treatments to specific symptom pathways and utilizing modern imaging for precise electrode placement. The conversation highlights the development of the ClearN algorithm to optimize outcomes and emphasizes how data-driven approaches can revolutionize symptom management and enhance patient care.

Dr. Shuvro Roy, a clinician specializing in small-fiber neuropathy management, teams up with Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander, an authority in the field, to discuss vital insights for clinicians. They delve into the diagnostic challenges of relapsing-remitting small fiber neuropathy through a decade-long patient case. The duo also emphasizes the importance of longitudinal studies in improving diagnoses and the creation of a symptom survey to enhance understanding of SFN. Their exploration of treatment complexities during pregnancy adds an intriguing layer to the conversation.