Uniform data set language measures for bvFTD and PPA diagnosis and monitoring.

Introduction: The Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Module (FTLD-MOD) includes a neuropsychological battery designed to assess the clinical features of FTLD, although much is unknown about its utility. We investigated FTLD-MOD and Uniform Data Set 3.0 (UDS) language tests for differential diagnosis and disease monitoring.

CCL2 and CXCL10 are associated with poor outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Objective: Intracerebral hemorrhage carries a high mortality and survivors are frequently left with significant disability. Immunological mechanisms may play an important role in hemorrhage-induced brain injury, however, research linking these mechanisms with clinical outcome remains limited. We aim to identify serum inflammatory mediators that are associated with outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage in order to translate data from experimental models to a patient cohort and identify potential targets worthy of reverse translation.

Alzheimer's genetic risk is reduced in primary age-related tauopathy: a potential model of resistance?

Objective: Nearly all adults >50 years of age have evidence for neurofibrillary tau tangles (NFTs) and a significant proportion of individuals additionally develop amyloid plaques (A) consistent with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In an effort to identify the independent genetic risk factors for NFTs and A, we investigated genotypic frequencies of AD susceptibility loci between autopsy-confirmed AD and primary age-related tauopathy (PART), a neuropathological condition defined by characteristic neurofibrillary tau tangles (NFTs) with minimal or absent A.

Methods: General linear models assessed the odds of AD ( = 1190) relative to PART ( = 376) neuropathologically confirmed cases from two independent series: the Penn Brain Bank (PENN; AD = 312; PART = 65) and National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC; AD = 878; PART = 311).

Prevalence and Correlates of Anti-Parkinson Drug Use in a Nationally Representative Sample.

Background: Although numerous prescription drugs are available to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), little is known about national use in clinical practice and which factors may influence variability in care. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of anti-Parkinson drug use among Medicare beneficiaries with PD and to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with drug use.

Methods: This retrospective study was based on a random sample of annual 5% Medicare Part A and B claims linked with Medicare Part D drug files from 2007 through 2010.