Cryptogenic Stroke: Making the Management Less Cryptic.

Cryptogenic stroke (CS) accounts for 20% to 40% of ischemic strokes. CS is defined as a cortical infarct suggestive of an embolic stroke with no identifiable cardiac etiology, large vessel occlusive disease, or small vessel lacunar stroke. The likely etiologies for CS are patent foramen ovale (PFO) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which can be detected by transesophageal echocardiography and long-term cardiac rhythm monitoring.

Estrogen replacement therapy for cognitive benefits: viable treatment or forgettable "senior moment"?

The perceived benefits of estrogen on cognitive function are one of the few remaining potential roles for estrogen replacement therapy. The justification for such a role has a strong biologic basis and is easily shown in animal models. Purported benefits for estrogen on cognitive function include neuroprotective, neurostimulating, and neurotrophic effects.