A Retrospective Analysis of ALS Clusters Near Algae Blooms in North Carolina (P5-11.019).

Objective: To examine clinical differences between individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who live near and far from harmful algal blooms (HABs) in North Carolina.

Background: While 10% of ALS cases are associated with genetic mutations, the rest may have environmental causes. Higher than expected numbers of ALS cases have been identified near HABs in North Carolina using data from death certificates between 1999 and 2020 (unpublished).

ALSUntangled #75: Portable neuromodulation stimulator therapy.

Spurred by patient interest, ALSUntangled herein examines the potential of the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS™) in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The PoNS™ device, FDA-approved for the treatment of gait deficits in adult patients with multiple sclerosis, utilizes translingual neurostimulation to stimulate trigeminal and facial nerves via the tongue, aiming to induce neuroplastic changes. While there are early, promising data for PoNS treatment to improve gait and balance in multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic brain injury, no pre-clinical or clinical studies have been performed in ALS.

ALSUntangled #72: Insulin.

ALSUntangled reviews alternative and off-label treatments for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS). Here we review insulin, which has at least one plausible mechanism for slowing ALS progression. However, pre-clinical studies are limited and there have been no trials in PALS yet.

Computerized Games versus Crosswords Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increases the risk of dementia. The efficacy of cognitive training in patients with MCI is unclear.

Methods: In a two-site, single-blinded, 78-week trial, participants with MCI - stratified by age, severity (early/late MCI), and site - were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of intensive, home-based, computerized training with Web-based cognitive games or Web-based crossword puzzles, followed by six booster sessions.

Physician perceptions of surveillance: Wearables, Apps, and Chatbots for COVID-19.

Background And Purpose: To characterize the global physician community's opinions on the use of digital tools for COVID-19 public health surveillance and self-surveillance.

Materials And Methods: Cross-sectional, random, stratified survey done on Sermo, a physician networking platform, between September 9 and 15, 2020. We aimed to sample 1000 physicians divided among the USA, EU, and rest of the world.

Validity of the Web-Based, Self-Directed, NeuroCognitive Performance Test in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Digital cognitive tests offer several potential advantages over established paper-pencil tests but have not yet been fully evaluated for the clinical evaluation of mild cognitive impairment.

Objective: The NeuroCognitive Performance Test (NCPT) is a web-based, self-directed, modular battery intended for repeated assessments of multiple cognitive domains. Our objective was to examine its relationship with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition Subscale (ADAS-Cog) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) as well as with established paper-pencil tests of cognition and daily functioning in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Evaluating Alzheimer Disease With Flortaucipir and Florbetapir PET: A Clinical Case Series.

Early, accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) is essential but remains challenging. Neuropathological hallmarks of AD are β-amyloid neuritic plaques and tau protein neurofibrillary tangles. 18F-Florbetapir is one of several available PET tracers for imaging cortical fibrillary β-amyloid plaques.