Neuropsychological and psychiatric aspects of multiple sclerosis: preliminary investigation of discrete profiles across neurological subtypes.

Cognitive deficits affecting memory, attention, speed of information processing and executive functions are common in multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study we examine the possibility of discrete pattern of neuropsychological deficits of MS subtypes. 28 patients (13 RRMS, 6 CIS, and 9 SPMS) were assessed with a comprehensive neuropsycholgical battery.

Decreased levels of alpha-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-synuclein (ASYN) levels are emerging as a possible biomarker in a number of neurodegenerative conditions; however, there has been little study of such levels in demyelinating conditions with neurodegeneration such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we aimed to assess CSF ASYN levels in MS spectrum [clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and MS] patients and compare them to those obtained in control subjects with benign neurological conditions (BNC). We used a recently developed, ultra-sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure and compare CSF ASYN levels in three categories of subjects: BNC (n = 38), CIS (n = 36) and MS [Relapsing Remitting (RRMS, n = 22) and Primary Progressive (PPMS, n = 15)].

Isolated delusional syndrome in Parkinson's Disease.

Psychotic features in patients with Parkinson's Disease usually present as visual hallucinations against a background of cognitive deterioration and dopaminomimetic therapy. Isolated delusions are rare. We report here 4 patients with Parkinson's Disease who developed a delusional syndrome resembling schizophreniform psychosis in the absence of changes in alertness, visual hallucinations or dementia.