Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators: A large case series.

Background: Risk factors for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) associated with sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulators are not as well-characterized as for natalizumab. We characterized S1PR modulator-associated PML cases and risk factors for PML using spontaneous adverse event reports.

Methods: We reviewed case reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database and the medical literature.

The many faces of gastrointestinal dysfunction in stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders.

Introduction: The effect of stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders (SPSD) on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is unknown. This case series aims to characterize the prevalence and types of GI dysfunction in individuals with SPSD.

Methods: A retrospective chart review included individuals diagnosed with SPSD with descriptors of GI symptoms in their medical records.

Respiratory symptoms are common in stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders and are associated with number of body regions involved.

Background And Purpose: Stiff person syndrome (SPS) spectrum disorders (SPSSD) cause spasms and rigidity throughout different body regions and can be associated with apnea and acute respiratory failure. There are limited data on the prevalence and predictors of respiratory symptoms with spasms (RSwS) in SPSSD. We sought to characterize the spirometry patterns and the frequency and predictors of RSwS in a large SPSSD cohort.

Recurrent Optic Neuritis and Perineuritis Followed by an Unexpected Discovery: From the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Case Conference Proceedings.

We describe a woman with a history of relapsing acute optic neuritis and perineuritis. Testing failed to confirm a specific diagnosis; hence, she was diagnosed with seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and treated with the immunotherapy rituximab, later in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil. She achieved a durable remission for 9 years until she presented with paresthesia affecting her left fifth digit, right proximal thigh, and left foot, while also reporting a 25-pound weight loss over the prior 3 months.

Cognitive and Mood Profiles Among Patients With Stiff Person Syndrome Spectrum Disorders.

Unlabelled: An emerging body of evidence suggests that changes in cognitive and emotional function are common aspects of stiff person spectrum disorders (SPSD). We sought to examine the pattern of cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms in SPSD.

Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for patients seen at the Johns Hopkins Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) center from 1997 to January 1st, 2020.

The impact of socioeconomic status on mental health and health-seeking behavior across race and ethnicity in a large multiple sclerosis cohort.

Background: Psychiatric symptoms are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and may contribute to worse MS outcomes. Previous studies suggest the burden of symptoms may vary by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES). Our objective was to expand upon this previous work and explore the associations between SES, race, and ethnicity, as predictors of psychiatric symptoms, mental health attitudes, and health-seeking behavior in patients with MS.

Socioeconomic disparity is associated with faster retinal neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis.

Disease course in multiple sclerosis is notably heterogeneous, and few prognostic indicators have been consistently associated with multiple sclerosis severity. In the general population, socioeconomic disparity is associated with multimorbidity and may contribute to worse disease outcomes in multiple sclerosis. Herein, we assessed whether indicators of socioeconomic status are associated with disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis using highly sensitive imaging tools such as optical coherence tomography, and determined whether differential multiple sclerosis management or comorbidity mediate any observed socioeconomic status-associated effects.

Perceptions and Preferences Regarding Multiple Sclerosis Research Among Racial and Ethnic Groups.

Background: For unclear reasons, minorities have been historically underrepresented in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials. We hypothesized that different perceptions and preferences about research participation among racial and ethnic groups contribute to this imbalance.

Methods: Members of the MS Minority Research Engagement Partnership Network developed a Web-based survey in English and Spanish on research impressions, concerns, and preferences regarding study attributes among people with MS.

Depression in multiple sclerosis across the adult lifespan.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine the burden of depressive symptoms across the adult age span in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and test if the relationship between depressive symptoms and MS characteristics vary across age groups.

Methods: In analyses of the MS Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) network of adults with MS, we compared the prevalence of depression in MS PATHS with non-MS controls across age and evaluated for effect modification by age in the association between depressive symptoms and clinical and neuroperformance measures via multivariable-adjusted regression models.

Results: In total, 13,821 individuals with MS were included.

Safety and preliminary efficacy of intranasal insulin for cognitive impairment in Parkinson disease and multiple system atrophy: A double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study.

Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with cognitive impairment. We aimed to determine the effects of intranasal insulin (INI) on cognition and motor performance in PD. This was a proof of concept, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of 40 international units (IU) of insulin or saline once daily for four weeks on cognitive and functional performance.

Lower cerebral vasoreactivity as a predictor of gait speed decline in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Gait speed is an indicator of overall functional health and is correlated with survival in older adults. We prospectively evaluated the long-term association between cerebral vasoreactivity and gait speed during normal walking (NW) and dual-task walking (DTW) in older adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 40 participants (aged 67.