Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training improves brain health across the lifespan.

Front Neurol

Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States.

Published: July 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • The interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program combines training in fetal, neonatal, and pediatric care, focusing on how early toxic stressors affect gene-environment interactions and neural development within the first 1,000 days of life.
  • Trainees are actively involved in mentor selection and address the cumulative impact of various exposures on both fetal and pediatric health while participating in curriculum evaluations to maintain high educational standards.
  • The program emphasizes lifelong learning and adaptation to social determinants of health, aiming to enhance neurological interventions for diverse populations, while integrating principles of neuroplasticity and brain health across the lifespan.

Article Abstract

Integrated fetal, neonatal, and pediatric training constitute an interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program. A dynamic neural exposome concept strengthens curriculum content. Trainees participate in mentoring committee selection for guidance during a proposed two-year program. Prenatal to postnatal clinical learning re-enforces early toxic stressor interplay that influences gene-environment interactions. Maternal-placental-fetal triad, neonatal, or childhood diseases require diagnostic and therapeutic decisions during the first 1,000 days when 80 % of neural connections contribute to life-course phenotypic expression. Pediatric follow-up through 3 years adjusts to gestational ages of preterm survivors. Cumulative reproductive, pregnancy, pediatric and adult exposome effects require educational experiences that emphasize a principle-to-practice approach to a brain capital strategy across the lifespan. More rigorous training during fetal, neonatal, and pediatric rotations will be offered to full time trainees. Adult neurology residents, medical students, and trainees from diverse disciplines will learn essential topics during time-limited rotations. Curriculum content will require periodic re-assessments using educational science standards that maintain competence while promoting creative and collaborative problem-solving. Continued career-long learning by FNN graduates will strengthen shared healthcare decisions by all stakeholders. Recognition of adaptive or maladaptive neuroplasticity mechanisms requires analytic skills that identify phenotypes associated with disease pathways. Developmental origins and life-course concepts emphasize brain health across the developmental-aging continuum, applicable to interdisciplinary research collaborations. Social determinants of health recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities with each neurological intervention, particularly for those challenged with disparities. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies must address resource challenges particularly throughout the Global South to effectively lower the worldwide burden of neurologic disease. Sustainable development goals proposed by the World Health Organization offer universally applicable guidelines in response to ongoing global and regional polycrises. Gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic equality promote effective preventive, rescue and reparative neuroprotective interventions. Global synergistic efforts can be enhanced by establishing leadership within academic teaching hubs in FNN training to assist with structure and guidance for smaller healthcare facilities in each community that will improve practice, education and research objectives. Reduced mortality with an improved quality of life must prioritize maternal-pediatric health and well-being to sustain brain health across each lifespan with transgenerational benefits.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11254674PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1411987DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

brain health
12
interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal
8
fetal-neonatal neurology
8
health lifespan
8
fetal neonatal
8
neonatal pediatric
8
curriculum content
8
diagnostic therapeutic
8
health
6
will
5

Similar Publications

Article Synopsis
  • A study evaluated the impacts of divalproex sodium on brain volumes in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease using MRI scans over 24 months.
  • The results indicated that participants receiving divalproex experienced a significantly higher decline in hippocampal and brain volumes compared to those on placebo, along with a faster decline in cognitive function as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination.
  • The findings suggest that divalproex treatment is linked to accelerated brain volume loss and potentially increased cognitive impairment, although the long-term effects remain unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study tested whether divalproex sodium (valproate) could prevent or delay agitation and psychosis in individuals with moderate Alzheimer's disease, enrolling 313 participants.
  • After two years of treatment, results showed no significant difference between the valproate and placebo groups regarding the time to development of agitation or psychosis.
  • Additionally, the valproate group experienced more side effects and showed greater reductions in brain volume, indicating potential adverse effects of the treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To delineate the trajectories of Aβ42 level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), fludeoxyglucose F18 (FDG) uptake using positron emission tomography, and hippocampal volume using magnetic resonance imaging and their relative associations with cognitive change at different stages in aging and Alzheimer disease (AD).

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: The 59 study sites for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!