Editor's Choice Academic Journal Main Category: Epilepsy Article Date: 30 Mar 2012 - 5:00 PDT

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According to the researchers:

Seizures are prevalent in autoimmune neurologic disorders, such as limbic encephalitis.

Amy M. L. Quek, M.B.B.S., of the Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn., and her team collected data from the Mayo Clinic computerized diagnostic index from patients diagnosed with autoimmune epilepsy who were assessed between January 2005 and December 2010 in both the Autoimmune Neurology Clinic and Epilepsy Clinic, in order to assess clinical characteristics and immunotherapy responses in individuals suffering with autoimmune epilepsy.

Of the patient data examined, the researchers found 32 patients eligible for inclusion in the study. All participants of the study had partial seizures, 81% had daily seizures and had failed treatment with 2+ AEDs, while the remaining participants had at least one seizure per month. Despite AED therapy, 27 of the 32 participants received immunotherapy for treatment of persistent seizures.

The authors found that 81% (22 of 27) of the participants reported improvement following immunotherapy after a median follow-up time of 17 months (3-72 months). In addition, the team found that 18 participants were seizure free. 44% (8) of these 18 patients were seizure free within 12 weeks of starting immunotherapy. Although 5 participants did not respond to the treatment, 2 of the 5 showed subsequent improved after the AEDs were changed.

The authors conclude:

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Early Autoimmune Therapy Helps Autoimmune Epilepsy Patients

This study from the Mayo Clinic assessed residents' reading habits and preferred educational resources at 5 internal medicine training programs via a survey.

78% of residents reported reading less than 7 hours a week.

81% of residents read in response to patient care encounters.

The preferred educational format was electronic, and UpToDate was the big winner among the surveyed group:

- 95% of residents cited UpToDate as the most effective resource for knowledge acquisition
- 89% of residents reported that UpToDate was their first choice for answering clinical questions

The study authors concluded that residents spent little time reading and sought knowledge primarily from electronic resources. Most residents read in the context of patient care.

The abstract does not mention anything about social media sources such as Wikipedia, blogs, and Twitter, but the residents encounter a lot of those through Google searches.

References:

A multi-institutional survey of internal medicine residents' learning habits. Edson RS, Beckman TJ, West CP, Aronowitz PB, Badgett RG, Feldstein DA, Henderson MC, Kolars JC, McDonald FS. Med Teach. 2010;32(9):773-5. Image source: UpToDate.

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Citations of journal articles and the impact factor are widely used measures of scientific impact. Web 2.0 tools such as Twitter, Facebook, blogs and social bookmarking tools provide the possibility to construct article-level or journal-level metrics to gauge impact and influence.

Between 2008 and 2011, all tweets containing links to articles in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) were data mined.The tweets were compared to subsequent citation data 17-29 months later.

4,000 tweets cited 280 JMIR articles. The distribution of tweets followed a power law, with most tweets sent on the day when an article was published (44% of all tweets in a 60-day period) or on the following day (16%), followed by a rapid decay.

The Pearson correlations between "tweetations" and regular citations were moderate and statistically significant (0.42 to 0.72).

Highly tweeted articles were 11 times more likely to be highly cited than less-tweeted articles.

Top-cited articles could be predicted from top-tweeted articles with 93% specificity and 75% sensitivity.

Tweets can predict highly cited articles within the first 3 days of article publication.

Social media activity may:

- increase citations
- reflect the underlying qualities of the article

Social impact measures based on tweets are proposed to complement traditional citation metrics. The study author proposed a "twimpact" factor that measures uptake and filters research resonating with the public in real time.

After the initial publication, some science blogs have pointed out potential issues and conflicts of interests in relation to the topic and the single author who is also the founder, owner, and Editor-in-Chief of the journal. You can find more by performing a Google search for "twimpact" factor or checking the references section at the end of this post. Overall, I think this is an interesting concept and Gunther Eysenbach did a great job focusing the attention of the journal publishers on Twitter and Facebook as distribution channels that can also guide in measuring the impact of their articles.

References:

Can Tweets Predict Citations? Metrics of Social Impact Based on Twitter and Correlation with Traditional Metrics of Scientific Impact. Gunther Eysenbach. J Med Internet Res 2011;13(4):e123.

New research plus twitter. Does it make a difference in the clinic. Heidi Allen Digital Strategy in Health.

'Highly Tweeted Articles Were 11 Times More Likely to Be Highly Cited'. The Atlantic.

Twimpact factors: can tweets really predict citations? BMJ.

Tweets, and Our Obsession with Alt Metrics

Image source: Twitter.com.

Comments from Twitter:

@paediatrix:  Interesting. Makes sense

Harris Lygidakis @lygidakis: And Twimpact Factor is a good sign of what's ahead!

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Public release date: 26-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Rachel Seroka rseroka@aan.com 651-695-2738 American Academy of Neurology

ST. PAUL, Minn. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIg) is an effective treatment for certain disorders of the nerve and muscles, including Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS) and a form of neuropathy called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), according to a guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology. The guideline is published in the March 27, 2012, print issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

IVIg is a type of immunotherapy that fights the misdirected immune system. It is not well understood exactly how IVIg works, but it likely regulates an overactive immune system. Immune globulin is a protein in human blood that likely links itself with antibodies or other substances directed at the nerve.

According to the guideline, strong evidence shows that IVIg effectively treats Guillain-Barr syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, causing tingling and weakness in the arms and legs. The evidence shows that IVIg works as well as the treatment called plasma exchange to treat GBS.

Strong evidence also shows that long-term use of IVIg can help treat CIDP, which is the chronic counterpart of GBS and can affect nerves in the arms and legs and other parts of the body.

"Serious side effects are rare with IVIg, but there is a risk of kidney failure and a condition that causes the blood to be more likely to form clots," said guideline lead author Huned S. Patwa, MD, of Yale University and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. "It is important to work with your doctor when deciding whether to use IVIg for a neuromuscular disorder."

The guideline also found that IVIg is effective in helping to treat moderate to severe forms of myasthenia gravis and a rare condition known as multifocal motor neuropathy. It may also be helpful in treating neuromuscular disorders known as nonresponsive dermatomyositis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

###

Learn more about this latest guideline and nerve and muscle disorders at http://www.aan.com/patients.

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Guideline: IVIg effective for certain nerve and muscle disorders

VOL. 127 | NO. 60 | Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Alpha Hospitality Ventures LLC has filed two loans totaling $6.6 million through Cecil Bank for Memphis Airport Hotel & Conference Center in Nonconnah Corporate Center.

The company bought the property, 2240 Democrat Road, for $4.4 million at a July foreclosure sale, financing it at the time with a $4 million open-end mortgage through Cecil Bank.

The 270,000-square-foot, five-story hotel was built in 1974 and includes 374 rooms, more than 30,000 square feet of conference space and an on-site restaurant. It is on 7.6 acres at the northeast corner of Nonconnah Boulevard and Democrat Road, about three miles from Memphis International Airport. The hotel has frontage on Airways Boulevard to the east, and the Shelby County Assessor of Propertys 2011 appraisal is $5.5 million.

Of the two loans, $5 million is through a federal Small Business Administration program that uses tax dollars to assist small business owners.

The hotel and conference center went into foreclosure last year after its former owner, which bought the property for $8.3 million in 2008, defaulted on a $12.8 million loan.

Source: The Daily News Online & Chandler Reports

Daily News staff

U.S. Airways over the weekend opened more flights between Memphis International Airport and Reagan National Airport in Washington.

The three daily nonstops to Washington began Sunday. But airport and U.S. Airways officials marked the occasion Monday, March 26, at the airport.

Read more:
UTHSC Researchers Find 'Twisted Neck' Mutation

CHICO, CA--(Marketwire -03/25/12)- Masula Chiropractic Neurology and Family Wellness has renewed their focus on chiropractic care and wellness services for the entire family, including pediatric care. According to the Chico chiropractor, he provides natural alternatives to medical treatments for all members of the family, including infants, adolescents and young adults. The chiropractor cites various studies in Biological Psychiatry and Pediatrics to support the natural services he provides to treat ADD and physical injuries in pediatric patients.

Chico chiropractor Dr. Larry Masula stated that his practice, Masula Chiropractic Neurology and Family Wellness, has a range of natural, alternative treatments for the entire family, including pediatric care, that promote wellness.

"As a wellness doctor, I am committed to helping each patient find relief from chronic conditions and pain," said Dr. Masula. "Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, migraines and other neurological disorders can prevent individuals from living a full and active life. Additionally, many parents do not want to treat their child's issue or their own condition with prescription medications, so we offer natural alternatives to pain and chronic conditions."

The wellness doctor, Dr. Masula regularly treats pediatric patients for injuries sustained while playing youth sports, such as soccer, running or martial arts. His treatments combine spinal adjustments with physiotherapy to restore proper alignment and help the body regain a full range of flexibility and movement.

"Many of our younger patients are active athletes who have sustained a sports injury," said Dr. Masula. "Healing properly following a personal or sports injury is especially important for younger patients. For example, without proper care, a knee injury sustained at age 16 can still be causing pain 10, 15 or 20 years later. Building a healthy body starts with a strong spine -- and children in particular deserve this strong foundation."

The chiropractor also provides nutritional counseling and detox services. According to a Korean study reported in Biological Psychiatry, environmental toxins may trigger or worsen ADD in children. As part of Dr. Masula's wellness care services, he works closely with parents to help reduce or eliminate exposure to environmental toxins, including tobacco smoke and lead, which were shown by a study published in Pediatrics to exacerbate ADD.

"Our commitment to helping young children manage ADD through detoxification and nutritional counseling is part of our practice's overall mission to promote whole body wellness for the entire family," said Dr. Masula. "If a patient has a condition that is better served by a medical specialist other than myself, I will always provide a referral."

"We believe that proactive wellness care can make a tremendous difference when it comes to reducing the risk for chronic illnesses and injury," said Dr. Masula. "When I initially see a patient in pain, my only purpose is to relieve the pain, if possible. Once we relieve the patient's pain, we need to strengthen, stabilize and correct their spinal condition. Then once we get the spine as healthy as it can be, we will want to keep it that way so we discuss wellness care options."

Families who would like to learn more about the practice's approach to whole body wellness can visit the practice's website http://masulachiropractic.com or Facebook page.

About Masula Chiropractic, Neurology and Family Wellness: The Chico chiropractor's services include spinal decompression therapy and adjustments, neuropathology, natural pain management, physiotherapy, nutritional counseling and detoxification diets. The wellness doctor treats patients for chronic pain, neurological disorders such as tingling sensations or vertigo, and also helps patients heal from a sports injury, personal injury or auto injury.

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Chico Chiropractor Dr. Masula Renews Focus on Wellness Care Services for the Entire Family

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire -03/26/12)- Prana Biotechnology (NASDAQ: PRAN - News) (ASX: PBT.AX - News) today announced the publication, in the journal PLoS ONE, of an article that strongly endorses PBT2's potential to treat Alzheimer's Disease. The paper, entitled "The Zinc Dyshomeostasis Hypothesis of Alzheimer's Disease"(1), presents an integrated explanation of the major pathological features of Alzheimer's Disease, based upon a combination of new experimental data and mathematical modeling.

The senior author on the paper is Professor Rudy Tanzi, the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard University and Prana's Chief Scientific Advisor.

Dr. Tanzi explained that "the hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's Disease are the amyloid plaques, composed of the Abeta protein, and neurofibrilliary tangles (NFTs), composed of Tau protein. Everything we have learned from the genetics of Alzheimer's Disease indicates that the disease is caused by excessive accumulation of the Abeta protein in the brain. We also know that hyperphosphorylation of the Tau protein which forms NFTs is the feature of the disease which correlates with neuronal damage and cognitive loss. Prana's drug PBT2 reduces levels of both Abeta and hyperphosphorylated tau in animal studies(4) and improved cognition and lowered Abeta in a Phase 2a clinical trial of Alzheimer's Disease patients(2),(3).

"So, Alzheimer's Disease can be defined as an amyloid-induced tauopathy. The big question is this -- how does amyloid aggregation lead to NFTs? In this paper we propose that at least part of the answer to that question is zinc dyshomeostasis, that is to say, abnormal distribution of zinc in the brains of Alzheimer's Disease sufferers. The drug PBT2 directly addresses this problem by binding zinc and normalising its distribution. This bodes very well for the current PBT2 clinical trial that is in progress," concluded Dr. Tanzi.

This paper builds on Prana's previously published findings that as we age our ability to maintain normal zinc distribution deteriorates. Abeta forms amyloid by capturing and holding zinc, which in turn further reduces our ability to maintain normal zinc distribution. "This is a vicious pathological cycle. PBT2 interrupts this cycle, re-distributing zinc needed for healthy brain function," commented Prana's Head of Research, Associate Professor Robert Cherny.

Supporting this, the Journal of Alzheimer's(5) Disease recently published data from an independent laboratory showing the ability of the brain to move zinc in and out of neurons deteriorates with the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. These two papers are the latest of a number of high profile scientific articles that have been published on the role of metals in neurodegenerative diseases, supporting Prana's therapeutic strategy to treat these disorders.

Prana has recently commenced clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease, both using the drug PBT2.

Synopsis of PLoS ONE paper In the paper the authors propose that sequestration of zinc by Abeta-amyloid deposits (Abeta oligomers and plaques) not only drives Abeta aggregation, but also disrupts zinc homeostasis in zinc-enriched brain regions important for memory and vulnerable to Alzheimer's Disease pathology, resulting in intra-neuronal zinc levels, which are either too low, or excessively high. Moreover, they carry out modeling to suggest that this can lead microtubule instability and the abnormal tau pathology, including neurofibrillary tangles (NFT).

To evaluate this hypothesis, the authors:

1) used molecular modeling of zinc binding to the microtubule component protein tubulin, identifying specific, high-affinity zinc binding sites that influence side-to-side tubulin interaction, the sensitive link in microtubule polymerization and stability.

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PLoS ONE Journal Publishes Mechanistic Model of Alzheimer's Disease Endorsing Prana's PBT2

Yips are involuntary wrist spasms that occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt. However, the yips can also affect people who play other sports - such as cricket, darts and baseball.

It was once thought that the yips were always associated with performance anxiety. However, it now appears that some people have yips that are caused by a focal dystonia, which is a neurological dysfunction affecting specific muscles.

Charles H. Adler, M.D., neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, discusses study findings related to the yips, a condition affecting a significant number of already anxious golfers during putting or chipping.

References:

Yips. Mayo Clinic.

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A recent surge in knee replacements is assumed to be due to aging and increased obesity of the U.S. population.

This cross-sectional study used data from 6 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) surveys between 1971 and 2004 and from 3 examination periods in the FOA (Framingham Osteoarthritis) Study between 1983 through 2005 of the U.S. population.

Prevalence of knee pain increased by 65% in NHANES from 1974 to 1994.

In the FOA Study, prevalence of knee pain and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis doubled in women and tripled in men over 20 years.

However, no such trend was observed in the prevalence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis.

Prevalence of knee pain has increased substantially over 20 years. Obesity accounted for only part of this increase.

Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis increased but radiographic knee osteoarthritis did not. Why the patients are more symptomatic now than 20 years ago?

What is Boomeritis?

In 2006, the NYTimes described the health problems of aging baby boomers who continue to exercise: osteoarthritis which needs "knee and hip replacements, surgery for cartilage and ligament damage, and treatment for tendinitis, arthritis, bursitis and stress fractures." Some doctors call this phenomenon "boomeritis" or "Generation Ouch."

References:

Increasing Prevalence of Knee Pain and Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Survey and Cohort Data. ANN INTERN MED, December 6, 2011, vol. 155 no. 11 725-732.

What is Boomeritis?

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From a 2011 BMJ review:

Travel by car, train, or other transport is part of everyday life for most people, and therefore motion sickness is a quite common problem. It was recognized in the early days of sea travel and the word for sickness, “nausea,” derives from the Greek word ????, meaning “ship.”

Motion sickness is also a potentially disabling problem, thought to be due to sensory conflict or “mismatch” involving the vestibular system.

Symptoms can be provoked by:

- externally imposed motion
- implied self motion from a moving visual field, such as in a cinema

Symptoms

Motion sickness manifests with:

- nausea, vomiting, and stomach awareness
- increased salivation
- belching
- pallor
- sweating
- headache
- dizziness
- apathy, drowsiness, and malaise
- hyperventilation

Habituation

Behavioral treatments such as habituation can be effective but at the same time they can be unpleasant and time consuming

Hyoscine

Hyoscine is an effective preventive medication. There are oral forms and transdermal patches. Hyoscine nasal spray is also effective in preventing motion sickness

Evidence to support the use of other drugs is weaker, especially taking into account the trade off between efficacy and adverse effects. Traditional remedies such as ginger and acupressure bands have not been effective.

References:

Managing motion sickness. BMJ Review 2011; 343 doi: 10.1136/bmj.d7430
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22-03-2012 14:23

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Mother of 44 year old brain injured daughter talks about changes with Functional Neurology - Video

23-03-2012 09:46 This patient educational video is brought to you by Dr.Vivek Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Sr.Consultant Neurologist, Metro Multispeciality Hospital, Noida. The presentation is based on the clinical experience and the evidences available. Note : Please Consult you doctor before following anything given or spoken in this patient education video.

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Prevalence of migraine by Dr.Vivek Kumar DM (Neurology) - Video

21-03-2012 02:21 The neurology professor is honored by Islam.(HARUNYAHYA) en.harunyahya.tv http://www.harunyahya.com http://www.awaitedmahdi.com http://www.darwinistsdefeated.com http://www.darwinistpanic.com http://www.darwinistsinpain.com http://www.famousdarwinistdeceptions.com http://www.evolutionisnotscientific.com http://www.naturalselectionanddarwinism.com darwinistsdilemma.com http://www.atheismrefuted.com http://www.living-fossils.com http://www.collapseofatheism.com http://www.baltic-ambers.com http://www.darwinslostcause.com http://www.transitionalformdilemma.com http://www.servingislam.com http://www.adnanoktarinterviews.com http://www.englishkuran.com http://www.jesuswillreturn.com http://www.atlasofcreation.com http://www.creationofuniverse.com http://www.dayofjudgment.com http://www.womaninthequran.com http://www.whatisdestiny.com http://www.wisdomfromtorah.com http://www.riseofislam.com http://www.economicsinislam.net http://www.callforanislamicunion.com http://www.turkishislamicunion.com http://www.harunyahyasays.com http://www.theprophetmuhammad.org http://www.primepeace.com http://www.psychologicalwarfaremethods.com http://www.confessionsofevolutionists.com http http://www.miracleintheeye.com http://www.whatisdestiny.com http://www.fossil-museum.com http://www.harunyahyaimpact.com http://www.perishednations.com http://www.nightmareofdisbelief.com

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The neurology professor is honored by Islam.(HARUNYAHYA) - Video

23-03-2012 01:07 This patient educational video is brought to you by Dr.Vivek Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Sr.Consultant Neurologist, Metro Multispeciality Hospital, Noida. The presentation is based on the clinical experience and the evidences available. Note : Please Consult you doctor before following anything given or spoken in this patient education video.

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What is migraine by Dr.Vivek Kumar DM (Neurology) - Video

21-03-2012 22:31 Quantum Neurology® Testimonial - Chiropractic Student Anthony Lopez http://www.QuantumNeurology.com

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Quantum Neurology® "It's like the Matrix - you have to see for yourself" - Video

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5dad2aee/the_animated_pocke) has announced the addition of the "The Animated Pocket Dictionary of Neurology & Psychiatry" report to their offering.

The FOCUS Animated Pocket Dictionary of Neurology and Psychiatry, the first ever animated dictionary in the subject, fills that void quite effectively. A must-have resource for physicians and students who would greatly benefit from this module, it covers 80 neuropsychiatry related terms and definitions. All the definitions have been described with breathtaking, state of the art 3D animations.

Visual media is particularly well suited to the visual science of medicine. Health information has never been so easily understandable or more accessible. Focus Medica a subsidiary of Panther Publishers, committed to simplifying medicine through the use of visual media has become synonymous with creating innovative Medical and Health Animations.

At Focus Medica, they have the knowledge, expertise and support of internationally reputed opinion leaders to translate print into visual media with the right creative platforms. Their collection of IPs include unique Health Animations and Printed Content with exceptional images and illustrations.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5dad2aee/the_animated_pocke

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Research and Markets: The Animated Pocket Dictionary of Neurology & Psychiatry - A Must-Have Resource

Editor's Choice Academic Journal Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience Article Date: 22 Mar 2012 - 8:00 PDT

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In the brain, oxidative impairment is linked to aging and is common in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Even though some studies have indicated that a diet rich in antioxidants may lower the risk of developing AD, results from antioxidant studies in AD have been mixed.

Douglas R. Galasko, M.D., of the University of California, San Diego, and his team enrolled 78 patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) Antioxidant Biomarker study in order to analyze alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSP) biomarkers associated to AD and oxidative stress, function and cognition.

The researchers assigned participants to one of three groups:

The researchers explained:

The researchers found that although participants in the E/C/ALA group saw a decrease of CSF F2-isoprostane levels, indicating a reduction of oxidative stress in the brain, the treatment raised caution regarding faster cognitive decline as evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

The researchers said:

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Alzheimer's Disease - Antioxidants Have No Effect On Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers

Public release date: 21-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Rachel Seroka rseroka@aan.com 651-695-2738 American Academy of Neurology

ST. PAUL, Minn. A new study suggests that older people may have an increased risk of problems with memory and thinking abilities after being in the hospital, according to research published in the March 21, 2012, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

"Our study is timely as the United States population continues to rapidly age and researchers try to identify factors that could reduce memory and thinking problems in the elderly," said study author Robert S. Wilson, PhD, of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. "Understanding a possible link to something as common as hospital stays is extremely important."

The study involved 1,870 people over the age of 65 who lived in Chicago and were interviewed every three years for up to 12 years to test their memory and thinking skills. Of those, 1,335 people, or 71 percent, were hospitalized at least once during the study.

On average, elderly people's scores on tests of memory and thinking skills decline slightly as they age. In the study, researchers found that people's overall scores declined twice as fast after a first hospital stay, compared either to their previous rate before the hospital stay or to people who were not admitted to the hospital. On specific tests, the rate of decline after the first hospital stay was more than three times faster on a long-term memory test and 1.5 times faster on a complex attention test. The results stayed the same even after considering factors such as severe illness, longer hospital stay and older age.

"Further research may help to develop strategies to prevent medical problems in older people that lead to hospital stays. It could also lead to changes in hospital inpatient and discharge policies," said Wilson.

###

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging.

To learn more about dementia, visit http://www.aan.com/patients.

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Memory problems may increase after being hospitalized

Supplementation with an antioxidant-rich combination of vitamin E, vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is not associated with changes in important markers for Alzheimers disease, finds new research.

The randomized controlled trial published in JAMAs Archives of Neurology reports thatthe vitamin E, C and ALA combination had no significant effect on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers related to Alzheimer disease.

Led by Dr Douglas Galasko, of the University of California, San Diego, USA, the research team examined changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers related to Alzheimer disease and oxidative stress, cognition and function finding that the combination of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA and vitamins C and E did not affects key biomarkers for Alzheimers disease.

They added that the combination resulted in a lowering of CSF F2-isoprostane levels suggesting a reduction of oxidative stress in the brain. However, Galasko and his colleagues said supplementation also led to faster cognitive declines as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

"It is unclear whether the relatively small reduction in CSF F2-isoprostane level seen in this study may lead to clinical benefits in Alzheimers disease, commented Galasko and his colleagues.

The more rapid MMSE score decline raises a caution and indicates that cognitive performance would need to be assessed if a longer-term clinical trial of this antioxidant combination is considered," they concluded.

Commenting on the study, Dr Harry Rice, vp regulatory & scientific affairs for the omega-3 trade group GOED, told NutraIngredients that he contended such conclusions.

Rice argued that the absence of any cognitive benefits in the current study does not exclude the possibility that supplementation with antioxidants prior to the onset of Alzheimer Disease could provide a neuroprotective benefit such as delaying the onset of symptoms, or slowing the progression of the disease.

Study details

The researchers studied the effects of the combined supplements in 78 patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) Antioxidant Biomarker study. The participants were divided into one of three groups: 800 IU/per day of vitamin E (-tocopherol) plus 500 mg/per day of vitamin C plus 900 mg/per day of -lipoic acid (E/C/ALA); 400 mg of coenzyme Q (CoQ) three times a day; or placebo.

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Clinical trial fails to find antioxidant Alzheimer’s benefit

Free event connecting local patients, families and caregivers with important resources to win the battle against brain disease

WHAT: Brain Health Fair WHERE: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO), Exhibit Hall B WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2012; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. HOW: FREE Registration Now Open at http://www.BrainHealthFair.com

DETAILS: On Saturday, April 21, the American Academy of Neurology Foundation will host the Brain Health Fair, a free, day-long family event connecting patients, families and caregivers affected by a neurologic disorder with important resources to battle brain disease. Free registration is now open for everyone at http://www.BrainHealthFair.com. This event is scheduled for the opening day of the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, which will bring more than 10,000 healthcare professionals to New Orleans April 21-28.

Attendees of the Brain Health Fair will have the opportunity to learn from more than 30 exhibitors and neurologists from around the world about the latest research advances in Alzheimers disease, autism, brain injuries, epilepsy, headaches, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, stroke and other types of brain disease. The exhibitors will offer tips on topics such as how to prevent diabetes and stroke, how to spot a concussion, support groups, activities for kids and teens and free giveaways and resources.

List of exhibitors includes: American Academy of Neurology (AAN), AAN Patient Education Resources Booth, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Allergan, Inc., Amerigroup Louisiana Healthcare, AxelaCare Health Solutions, Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation, Inc., Brain Injury Association of Louisiana, Cadwell Laboratories, Inc., Critical Patient Care/Balanceback, Culicchia Neurological Clinic, Dance for PD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Injury Response, DiscoverMI.org, Electrical Geodesics, Inc. (EGI), Epilepsy Foundation Louisiana, ForMemory, Inc., Building Hope in Early Onset Cognitive Challenges, Genentech, Genzyme A Sanofi company, Glut1 Deficiency Foundation, International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF), MedMerits, Inc., Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National Ataxia Foundation, National MS Society, Louisiana chapter, National Parkinson Foundation, National Spasmodic Torticollis Association, Nicolet CareFusion, Office of Public Health, Parkinson's Action Network, Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Society of Nuclear Medicine, The Secret Gardens Tour, The Sturge-Weber Foundation, UCB, Inc.

The event is sponsored by Genzyme Corporation, a Sanofi company, Neurology Now magazine, PSAV Presentation Services, Peoples Health, Teva Neuroscience, Inc. and in-kind donations from Dance for Parkinsons Disease, the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

The AAN, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. This years Annual Meeting, including the Brain Health Fair, is expected to generate more than $11 million in economic impact.

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American Academy of Neurology Foundation Hosting FREE Brain Health Fair on April 21