American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2022 Annual Meeting

MS patients on certain DMTs may have limited protection from COVID-19 vax

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20220530150001

The overall rate of hospitalization for COVID-19 is low among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a prospective study from England. However, patients on ocrelizumab or fingolimod have elevated hospitalization rates.

Keto diet: Is there good evidence in MS?

Elvira Manzano, 20220523000000

A diet rich in fat but low in carbohydrates, popularly known as the ketogenic or “keto” diet, offers clinical benefits to patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in a phase II study. Quality of life (QoL) likewise improved, and so did disability.

Dogs catch yawns more easily from their owners than from strangers.

Pets help slow cognitive decline

Tristan Manalac, 20220522090000

Cognitive decline may be slower among older adults who have been long-time pet owners, reports a study presented at the recently concluded Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN 2022).

Sustained benefits with ocrelizumab in relapsing-remitting MS

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20220519180001

Patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who have suboptimal response to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) experienced low disease activity after switching to ocrelizumab, according to interim results of the LIBERTO study.

Reduced risk of psychosis relapse with continued pimavanserin use in patients with dementia

Elaine Soliven, 20220519000000

Patients with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) who continued treatment with pimavanserin had a lower risk of psychosis relapse compared with those on placebo, according to a post hoc analysis of the HARMONY* trial presented at AAN 2022.

No apparent link between COVID-19 vax and cerebrovascular outcomes

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20220513180001

Several studies presented at AAN 2022 have revealed a lack of association between COVID-19 vaccination and negative cerebrovascular outcomes.

How does IV edaravone fare for ALS in the real world?

Audrey Abella, 20220510100000

Intravenous (IV) edaravone seems to continue to provide hope for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cure, according to data presented at AAN 2022.

Ravulizumab shows rapid, sustained benefits for myasthenia gravis

Pearl Toh, 20220509150100

Treatment with ravulizumab leads to rapid and sustained reductions in myasthenia gravis (MG) symptoms, according to the CHAMPION study presented at AAN 2022.

New data boost efficacy, safety of lower-sodium oxybate for idiopathic hypersomnia

Audrey Abella, 20220505100000

Lower-sodium oxybate – a new oxybate treatment with 92-percent less sodium than sodium oxybate – continued to demonstrate its potential in improving function, productivity, and sleepiness in individuals with idiopathic hypersomnia, according to data presented at AAN 2022.

Brain implant succeeds in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Jairia Dela Cruz, 20220428140000

Implantation with a motor neuroprosthesis, an endovascular brain-computer interface, appears to be safe in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with paralysis and helps them operate a computer for daily tasks, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) Annual Meeting.