Interview with Dr. Allen on CIDP care and research

The visual and functional impairment in the eyes of patients with optic neuritis caused by anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (#NMOSD) is more severe than in patients with anti-myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-associated disease (#MOGAD) and correlates with structural loss, according to a study published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. Read more: https://bit.ly/41honyJ #RareDisease #OpticNeuritis #AQP4 #Neurology

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium linked to gum disease, may play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease by entering the bloodstream, reaching the brain, and triggering inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. This bacterium produces toxic proteases called gingipains, which can damage brain cells and contribute to neuroinflammation, amyloid plaque formation, and tau pathology. Studies have found P. gingivalis in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, and its presence is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline. Research suggests that gingipain inhibitors may be a potential therapeutic target to prevent or slow disease progression. The connection between P. gingivalis and Alzheimer's highlights the importance of oral health in overall brain health, and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and potential treatments. We are about to release our upcoming issue and we are open for new submissions and you can submit yours here: clinicalpractice@genesispub.org #AlzheimersDisease #PorphyromonasGingivalis #GumDisease #Neurodegeneration #Neuroinflammation #BrainHealth #NeurologicalDisorders #MedicalResearch #HealthcareInnovation

Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL), along with Tau and GFAP, is emerging as a powerful biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid and blood for diagnosing and monitoring neurobiological diseases. These proteins reflect neuronal and astrocytic injury in disorders like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and neurodegenerative dementias. Measuring their levels can improve early diagnosis, track disease progression, and assess treatment responses. Advances in biosensor technology promise real-time, multiplex detection, paving the way for more precise, accessible clinical tools in neurology. This integrated biomarker approach holds great potential to transform how we understand and manage brain disorders. https://lnkd.in/dAi6TEQq

Delighted to share our recent publication: “Navigating the Interplay: Understanding the Potential Impact of the Gut–Lung–Brain Axis on Brain Disorders.” This article underscores that the gut and lungs may influence brain health more than previously thought, and that a multi-organ perspective could unlock new opportunities for prevention and therapy. Key takeaways: ■ The gut, lung, and brain are not isolated—they’re part of a hidden communication network shaping brain health. ■ Interconnected Triad: Gut, lung, and brain form a communication network via immune, metabolic, microbial, and neuroendocrine pathways. ■ Axes in Action: Gut–lung, lung–brain, and gut–brain axes, linked by microbial metabolites, illustrate how the Interorgan Communication Network (ICN) functions. ■ Impact on Brain Health: Dysbiosis, lung issues, or neuroinflammation can worsen Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, and psychiatric disorders. ■ Shared Pathways: Inflammation, SCFAs, cytokines, exosomes, and BBB disruption connect peripheral changes to brain pathology within the ICN. ■ COVID-19 Proof: SARS-CoV-2 shows the triad—gut dysbiosis and lung inflammation drive immune overactivation and neurological effects. ■ Therapeutic Potential: Microbiome restoration + lifestyle changes offer key intervention points in the ICN. ■ Precision & Prevention: ICN mapping may uncover shared disease pathways and novel drug targets. ■ Future Direction: Advancing ICN-based therapies demands collaboration across neurology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, and immunology. #science #society #health

It is becoming clear that brain health is shaped by the whole body. This article underscores how gut and lung connections may open new frontiers for preventing and treating brain diseases.

Today, I had the honor of serving as an evaluator for Anjani Chakrala, PhD’s excellent journal club presentation, “Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer’s Disease.” Anjani delivered a clear and engaging overview of the Clinical trial information. She demonstrated strong command of the material and effectively addressed audience questions. 🔑 Key Takeaways from the Study Lecanemab, a monoclonal antibody targeting amyloid-beta protofibrils, was studied in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. At 18 months, treatment with lecanemab led to: Reduced cognitive and functional decline compared to placebo, measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating–Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB). Significant reduction in amyloid burden on PET imaging (−59 centiloids vs placebo). Favorable outcomes across other scales, including ADAS-Cog14, ADCOMS, and ADCS-MCI-ADL. Safety considerations included infusion-related reactions (26%) and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA, ~12.6%), highlighting the importance of monitoring. Overall, lecanemab showed promise in slowing disease progression, though longer studies are needed. What stood out most was not just the science, but Anjani’s ability to interpret complex clinical data, connect it to patient impact, and field challenging questions with poise. I wholeheartedly endorse Anjani Chakrala for future roles in MSL positions in Psychiatry/Neuroscience, where her expertise and communication skills will be an asset to both healthcare providers and patients.

Dr. Eric Reiman, CEO of Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Banner Sun Health Research Institute, was recently featured in Medscape, where he shared perspective on a major Alzheimer’s research study. The TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study is evaluating donanemab, an investigational therapy that targets amyloid plaque in the brain. Results from a long-term extension study showed that donanemab can provide meaningful benefits over three years, especially when treatment is started early, and maintains a manageable safety profile. This recognition highlights the important role our teams play in advancing Alzheimer’s research and treatment. Read more: https://wb.md/3UKd7Y7 #neurology #research #alzheimersdisease #movementdisorders

🧠 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒇𝒇 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏! 👏 We're delighted to share a new publication from a team of talented clinicians at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. Drs Thaw Myint Thu, Sunandan Bhattacharya, Ceris Owen and Dana Chirosca-Vasileiou have co-authored an interesting article exploring the diagnostic challenges of autoimmune limbic encephalitis. 🔍 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: The authors present a compelling case study of a patient with initially subtle neurological symptoms that progressed to treatment-resistant seizures - a hallmark of limbic encephalitis. Through careful investigation, they discovered an underlying small cell lung cancer, highlighting the paraneoplastic connection. 💡𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭?: This work demonstrates the diagnostic complexities clinicians face when patients present with new neurological symptoms but have normal initial tests. It provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals on how to approach these challenging cases in acute care settings. 🏥 Congratulations once again to the authors! You continue to contribute vital knowledge to the medical community, improving patient care through research and clinical expertise. Access this article at no charge via: #ResearchAtMedway #Neurology #NHS

"Deep white-matter hyperintensities (DWMH) on brain magnetic resonance imaging were significantly more prevalent and more extensive among individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) vs matched healthy controls, pointing to possible cerebral small-vessel disease among this patient population, according to study results published in Rheumatology." Read more about "Brain MRI Study Uncovers Potential Small-Vessel Disease Burden in SSc" #brainmri #smallvesseldisease #yourhealthmatters https://lnkd.in/ggwayYpU

We are very excited to announce the continuation of the first modifying, treatment for Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) at the University of Miami, and continue last year's successful Phase 2 "SHIMMER" clinical trial. COG1202 EAP (Expanded Access Program) is a single group, open-label program for individuals between 50-85 years of age, diagnosed with mild to moderate DLB. My team and I at the University of Miami's, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health are testing CT1812 (Zervimesine) a modulating, small molecule that acts as a sigma-2 receptor antagonist, aiming to protect neurons from damage caused by protein buildup, specifically alpha-synuclein. Demonstrating significant improvements in behavioral, cognitive, and motor symptoms in patients with DLB, Zervimesine represents a potential new hope for millions of patients and their families affected by DLB as there is currently no FDA approved treatment for DLB. Cognition Therapeutics and the University of Miami aims to advance Zervimesine into late-stage clinical trials for both DLB and Alzheimer's disease as the molecule progresses in its testing phase. #lewybodydementia #dementiawithlewybodies #alzheimers #universityofmiami #universityofflorida #neurology #neurodegeneration #clinicaltrials #neurodegenerativedisease #phase2 #dementia