Publications by authors named "Alvar Paris"
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable neurodegenerative disorder with rapidly progressive skeletal muscle weakness, which can also cause a variable cognitive deficit. Genetic causes are only identified in approximately 10% of all cases, with complex genotype-phenotype associations, making it challenging to identify treatment targets. What further hampers therapeutic development is a broad heterogeneity in mechanisms, possible targets, and disturbances across various cell types, aside from the cortical and spinal motor neurons that lie at the heart of the pathology of ALS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Cases of nitrous oxide (NO)-induced myeloneuropathy are increasing at UK hospitals. At our centre, a dedicated ambulatory care pathway, endorsed nationally, was established to treat and monitor patients with NO-myeloneuropathy in 2021 and refined through three audit cycles. We analysed the outcomes of patients on this pathway to better understand factors associated with non-engagement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeuroanatomical and prognostic associations of depression in Parkinson's disease.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
September 2024
Article Synopsis
- Depression is common in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), with a prevalence that significantly increases from 10 years prior to diagnosis to 10 years after diagnosis.
- The study analyzed data from over 434,000 participants, revealing that depression is associated with a higher risk of developing PD and is linked to structural changes in the brain, particularly in areas like the thalamus and amygdala.
- Early depression in PD patients is a strong predictor of worse outcomes, such as higher chances of developing dementia and increased mortality risk, highlighting the need for better clinical evaluation and management of mental health in this population.
Article Synopsis
- - Nitrous oxide (NO) is a popular recreational drug among young adults in the UK, with neurological symptoms affecting users, though most existing data is from small studies.
- - A study examined 119 patients with NO-related myeloneuropathy in major UK cities, finding that 85% presented with paraesthesia, especially in the lower limbs, and common symptoms included gait issues and bladder disturbances.
- - The research indicates a link between the frequency of NO use and methylmalonic acid levels, suggesting a risk for neurological damage due to increased accessibility of NO canisters, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and early intervention.
Recreational use of nitrous oxide (NO) has increased rapidly in recent years and is now the second most commonly used recreational drug among young people in the UK. There has been a corresponding rise in cases of nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration of the cord (NO-SACD), a pattern of myeloneuropathy usually associated with severe vitamin B deficiency. This can cause serious and permanent disability in young people but, if recognised early, may be effectively treated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) starts well before dementia symptoms appear, highlighting the need for early biomarkers to aid in interventions.
- A study involving 150 middle-aged adults aimed to see if changes in hippocampal subfield volumes could indicate future dementia risk, focusing on those with or without a family history of dementia.
- Findings revealed that those with a family history and higher cardiovascular risks had reduced CA1 volume, while some areas showed increases, suggesting potential early AD responses involving inflammation or new brain cell growth.