Welcome to the latest clinical news bulletin from the Primary Care Neurology Society
Dementia and risk of falls
Non Alzheimers Disease (non-AD) dementia, but not AD dementia is associated with increased falls in comparison with cognitive health individuals (CHIs). The study, which you can read here, also found that an "association between gait parameters and falls "differed across cognitive status, suggesting different mechanisms leading to falls in older individuals with dementia in comparison with CHIs who fall." To read more about this work click here
Emotional abuse and migraine
The results of a study published at the end of 2016 in Headache lead the authors to conclude that '"Emotional abuse during childhood contributed more than physical or sexual abuse to the development of migraine." Read more about this paper click here.
Disrupted Sleep and Cognitive impairment
A study of 580 health individuals with a clinical dementia rating (CDR) score of >0 have more light sleep, and less deep sleep and REM sleep. Sleep disorder breathing was encountered more in those people judged to be cognitive impaired. Details of this research can be found here.
Physical inactivity, smoking and insomnia
Although the findings of this recent study may not surprise, the study was designed to "examine the independent and combined associations of physical activity and smoking on the incidence of doctor-diagnosed insomnia using a nationally representative sample over seven years". In a second sleep related study, this time in children with chronic sleep onset insomnia, both melatonin and bright light treatment was found to help. Further details are available from here.
If you are keen to get up to date on ways to help your patients with sleep problems, come along to our seminar in March. Details from here or further down this newsletter.
Cognitive impairment in patients with neuromyelitis optica
A systematic review and meta-analysis has shown that "adult patients (24-60) have significantly worse cognitive performance than demographically matched healthy subjects", but comparable to 'demographically matched MS patients". The authors of this review call for "further rigorous randomized controlled trials with focus on elucidating the underlying mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in NMO patients." To read more details of this paper click here
Parkinson's treatment adherence improved by app
Results from a new study suggest patients using the uMotif app to track symptoms and health data have shown a 10% improvement in adherence to medication routines, as well as a significant improvement in their overall experience of care. You can read more about this study from here. If you would like to read more about the use of innovative gadgets for people with Parkinson's click here.
Cognitive Stress interferes with effect of levodopa in Parkinson's
In a study of 69 patients, the researcher found that, "Levodopa significantly reduced tremor intensity (across behavioral contexts), while cognitive co-activation increased it (across treatment conditions). Crucially, the levodopa effect was significantly smaller during cognitive co-activation than during rest." To learn more the study click here.
Increased risk of stroke among persons with Alzheimer's disease treated with benzodiazepines
This is the finding of a recent study that investigated the risk of any, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke associated with incident benzodiazepine and related drug (BZDR) use among community-dwelling individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Learn more about this study from here.
Neurology events
RCGP Learning - One Day Essential: Neurology
Friday 17 March, Euston Square, London
Hot topics include headaches, dizziness transient loss of consciousness including epilepsy and identifying and managing MS relapse flare up, plus an update on dementia, Parkinson's and chronic neurological problems. For further details and how to book your delegate place (member discount with code PCNSMEMBER). For further details click here
Primary Care Neurology Society - Disentangling Common Sleep Disorders for General Practice, Afternoon Thurs 23rd March, Banstead, Surrey
This afternoon seminar, led by neurologist, Dr Neil Munro with input from colleagues from the Sleep Disorder Centre at the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East Grinstead, West Sussex UK, including Clinical Director. Dr Peter Venn, is an ideal opportunity to hear from experts in the field of sleep disorders and gain numerous top tips on how to help your patients achieve better sleep and with it an improved quality of life. For further details of the programme and speakers and how to book your delegate place click here. Delegate places are priced at £85 which includes lunch (member discount available). A certificate of attendance will also be provided.
Primary Care Neurology Society - Neurology Red Flags: What to do next?
Sat (am), 25th March, Manchester
Following a very successful half day workshop on Red Flags with Dr Martin Turner, we are delighted to be running this workshop again, with Dr Jane Molloy and the team at MediConf. This time it will be in Manchester. Topics being covered include - Headaches; LOC; Dizziness/unsteadiness; Tingling/weakness. Further details of this workshop which is only £29 are available from click here.
Finding Strength: Challenges and Opportunities for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, 28 - 29 Sept, Edinburgh
Join the Strathcarron Hospice at their 7th annual conference at the John McIntyre Conference Centre at the University of Edinburgh on September 28th and 29th 2017. This year they will be considering some of the life-limiting disorders of the neurological system and aspects of psychiatric illness. For more information or to submit an abstract click here.
New free epilepsy course for Primary Care nurses
This new online course for practice nurses has been developed with epilepsy nurses and practice nurses, and it has been peer-reviewed. To find out more please click here
e-brain - supporting education in neurosciences
e-brain represents the largest, most comprehensive web-based training multimedia facility in clinical neurosciences to support both training and Continuous Professional Development for those working in relevant fields. Features include:
1. CPD points – you can claim up to 9 external points per year
2. 650+ interactive elearning sessions covering all the clinical neurosciences
3. Question bank of MCQ questions with over 2500 MCQs
4. Virtual patients which you can both manage and mismanage quite safely!
5. Webinars
Access to e-brain is free once you join the P-CNS. For further details and how to get free access click here.
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