[Senses and dementia : sensory loss and dementia risk].

In the course of several neurodegenerative conditions, the presence of a sensory alteration, even before the appearance of cognitive disorders or complaints concerning autonomy, can potentially lead to earlier diagnosis and more efficient management of these complex patients. The mechanisms underlying the association between sensory impairment and the risk of progression to dementia are increasingly better understood and should ultimately improve the accuracy of the diagnosis process for the most common neurodegenerative conditions, but also participate in the differential diagnosis between these conditions. Finally, early management of these sensory impairments offers a relatively easy way to modify patient's progression by delaying the onset of several symptoms during the progression towards a dementia syndrome.

A regression predictive model for QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus indeterminate results in immunosuppressed patients.

Background: Screening for latent tuberculosis infection using Interferon-Gamma Release Assays is a routine procedure prior to the initiation of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy. However, indeterminate results are relatively frequent and are an obstacle to treatment initiation.

Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the frequency of indeterminate QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test results in Tunisian patients, and to analyze the potential clinico-biological risk factors associated with these indeterminate results.

Sham-controlled randomized multicentre trial of transcranial direct current stimulation for prolonged disorders of consciousness.

Background And Purpose: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve signs of consciousness in a subset of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). However, no multicentre study confirmed its efficacy when applied during rehabilitation. In this randomized controlled double-blind study, the effects of tDCS whilst patients were in rehabilitation were tested at the group level and according to their diagnosis and aetiology to better target DoC patients who might repond to tDCS.

[Progressive ataxia and falls in a 62 year old woman].

We discuss the diagnostic workup of a 62 year old woman without any significant past medical history. We take this opportunity to point out three aspects : 1. The necessary contextualization of the whole process allowing to avoid unrealistic differentials; 2.

[How to explore… a cervical dystonia].

Cervical dystonia is one of the most frequent form of focal dystonia. However, there's a great lack of awareness of this condition : a long delay to diagnosis is quite common and misdiagnosis is often seen. Nevertheless, this pathology is invalidating and improving diagnosis could have an impact on the treatment and the patient's quality of life.