Hand Motions Predict Memory Impairment; APOE4 Smell Loss; Alzheimer’s Drug Guidance

— News and commentary from the world of neurology and neuroscience

by
Judy George, Deputy Managing Editor, MedPage Today
August 1, 2023

Hand motor tests predicted episodic memory performance in a study of nearly 1,200 older adults without cognitive symptoms. (Alzheimer’s & Dementia)

Investigational venglustat showed no beneficial treatment effect compared with placebo in a phase II trial of GBA1-associated Parkinson’s disease. (Lancet Neurology)

Tickling rats, then measuring their squeaks and brain activity, showed that the periaqueductal gray was essential for play. (Neuron)

People who carried the Alzheimer’s risk allele APOE4 appeared to lose odor sensitivity before losing odor identification or cognitive function. (Neurology)

Atogepant (Qulipta) showed benefit over placebo in chronic migraine prevention in a phase III trial. (The Lancet)

The American Academy of Neurology offered practical guidance for neurology clinicians about anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies like lecanemab (Leqembi) to treat early Alzheimer’s disease. (Neurology)

The odds of receiving a gabapentin prescription over 1 year for radicular low back pain were less with chiropractic spinal manipulation than usual care, a retrospective U.S. study showed. (BMJ Open)

An amyloid-negative, tau-positive cerebrospinal fluid profile appeared to be benign, despite being classified as a pathologic change by Alzheimer’s disease guidelines. (JAMA Neurology)

Both the number and volume of spinal cord lesions in multiple sclerosis were associated with future accumulation of disability, largely independent of relapses. (Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry)

Biogen agreed to acquire Reata Pharmaceuticals, maker of omaveloxolone (Skyclarys), which was approved this year to treat Friedreich’s ataxia.