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A study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that combining cognitive remediation with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can slow cognitive decline in older adults with major depressive disorder in remission, mild cognitive impairment, or both for up to 6 years. The intervention focuses on mental exercises to improve cognitive function, particularly executive function and verbal memory. The findings indicate a potential new approach to preventing dementia in individuals with a history of depression, although further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment duration and initiation age. [Extracted from the article]

A group of international experts challenges the revised diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease proposed by the Alzheimer's Association, recommending that the diagnosis be limited to individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The International Working Group (IWG) argues against applying the Alzheimer's disease label to cognitively normal individuals with biomarkers, as it may have psychological implications. The IWG suggests using alternative nomenclature like "At risk for Alzheimer's disease" for low-risk individuals with biomarkers, emphasizing the importance of sensitive language and cautious treatment proposals in clinical settings. [Extracted from the article]

The American Heart Association (AHA) has released a scientific statement linking heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The statement emphasizes the importance of early intervention in addressing cardiovascular health to prevent cognitive impairment later in life. The research highlights shared mechanisms between heart and brain health, such as inflammation and genetic predispositions, underscoring the need for healthy lifestyle habits from an early age. More research is needed to explore the impact of cardiac disease management on cognition and to address disparities in study methodologies and representation of diverse populations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in The BMJ suggests that four triptans - eletriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan - are more effective for treating acute migraines compared to newer, more expensive medications like lasmiditan, rimegepant, and ubrogepant. These findings challenge the current international guidelines that recommend NSAIDs as the first-line treatment for migraines. The study's investigators advocate for including these four triptans in the WHO List of Essential Medicines to improve global accessibility and standardize care for migraine patients. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on a study that demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth group therapy program for veterans aimed at preventing suicide, with participants expressing openness and engagement in discussing suicidal thoughts and triggers.

The article focuses on the strong association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and disordered eating, which can hinder the effectiveness of treatment for PTSD highlighting the need for better screening of eating disorder impairment.

A recent study has found that older adults with a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) have more than double the risk of developing dementia. The study followed 1002 dementia-free 70-year-olds over a 15-year period and analyzed blood samples to detect HSV antibodies. The researchers also reviewed medical records to classify dementia diagnoses. The study suggests that treating herpes virus with common anti-herpes drugs may be a potential avenue for early-stage dementia treatment. However, the study had limitations, such as underrepresentation of certain health conditions and potential misclassification of dementia cases. [Extracted from the article]

Neurologists remain skeptical about the effectiveness of nerve decompression surgery for treatment-resistant headaches, despite evidence supporting its safety and efficacy. The surgery, which targets peripheral nerves rather than the brain or spinal cord, has not received much support from neurologists and is considered experimental and unproven. However, studies have shown that the surgery can lead to improvements in migraine frequency, severity, and duration. Complications from the surgery are generally minor, and the procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis with long-term results. While some neurologists are still skeptical, others believe that headache surgery can be a viable option for patients who have not responded to other treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that at least 25% of unresponsive patients with a disorder of consciousness may retain some level of awareness and cognitive function. This estimate is higher than previous studies have indicated. The study, which included 353 adults at six multinational sites, used functional MRI (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to assess brain activity in response to motor imagery commands. The findings have implications for clinical practice, as they suggest that unresponsive patients who are aware may benefit from emerging communication technologies and may have a higher likelihood of functional independence. However, the study's results may not be generalizable to the overall population of patients with cognitive motor dissociation, and further research is needed to explore the potential benefits and ethical implications of detecting cognitive motor dissociation. [Extracted from the article]

Dermatologists are being advised to prescribe emergency contraception (EC) to adolescent patients who are being treated with isotretinoin for acne. Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is an effective acne treatment but carries risks of birth defects. However, there is a knowledge gap among dermatologists regarding EC, and many are reluctant to prescribe it. The article also discusses other hormonal therapies for pediatric acne, such as spironolactone and combined oral contraceptives, and emphasizes the importance of considering polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescent patients. [Extracted from the article]