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Objectives: To systematically review the evidence investigating the effectiveness of resistance training on strength and physical function in people with Parkinson’s disease. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that moderate intensity progressive resistance training, 2-3 times per week over 8-10 weeks can result in significant strength, balance and motor symptoms gains in people with early to moderate Parkinson’s disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens
Aims: To describe the relationship between perceived swallowing difficulties in people with Parkinson's disease with disease-specific measures, carers' perceptions of swallowing problems and control participant responses. Method: In total, 119 people with Parkinson's disease, their carers and matched controls answered a specifically prepared functional swallowing changes questionnaire. People with Parkinson's completed a water-swallowing test. Motor status, cognition and mood were also assessed. Results: People with Parkinson's disease scored poorer than controls (p < 0.001) on the questionnaire. Those reporting swallowing problems scored poorer than those who did not (p < 0.01). However, of 74 people with Parkinson's who perceived no swallowing problem, 32 fell below the 50th percentile on the water-swallowing test, while 41 fell below cut-off scores on the questionnaire. There was a weak correlation between drinking speeds and questionnaire totals. Carers' evaluations correlated with their partners' (r = 0.796) but they perceived changes as less severe (p < 0.03). Conclusions: Despite reduced swallowing efficiency, some people with Parkinson's can successfully compensate. A sizeable proportion, however, remain unaware of swallowing problems when asked simply 'Do you have a problem?', but indicate difficulties with more specific questions. The present questionnaire provides a guide for gaining such insights for diagnosis, education and outcomes. To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens
Objective: To enhance participation post stroke through a structured, community-based program. Conclusions: Community-based programs targeting participation are feasible and effective, but stroke survivors require time to achieve meaningful gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens
First-time stroke survivors and family caregivers are more likely to engage with rehabilitation programmes if they are led by nurses, a new study suggests. To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens
Conclusions The findings indicate how maximising quality in social care delivery for people with Parkinson's disease can impact on health and well-being. Long-term or short-term benefits may result in prevented events and reductions in health and social care resource. Health professionals can be instrumental in early detection of and signposting to social care.
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are involuntary paroxysmal events that are unaccompanied by epileptiform EEG discharges. We hypothesised that PNES are a disorder of distributed brain networks resulting from their functional disconnection.The disconnection may underlie a dissociation mechanism that weakens the influence of unconsciously presented traumatising information but exerts maladaptive effects leading to episodic failures of behavioural control manifested by psychogenic ‘seizures’. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Environmental factors may play a far greater role in the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) than previously thought, shows a study that compared rates of the condition in immigrants to east London with those of their ancestral groups. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
We investigated long-term (to 25 years) seizure prognosis and survival in people with newly diagnosed epilepsy in the community. We explored whether prognosis is different in those with epilepsy (>2 unprovoked seizures) and those with a single seizure at presentation. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Objectives The study sought to describe whether psychotropic medication may have long-term side effects in patients with stroke compared with controls. Open Access Article
Mindfulness-based therapy can benefit people with drug-resistant epilepsy. This article concerns 60 people, each receiving either four bi-weekly sessions of therapy or social support. They were included in randomised controlled trials to assess their quality of life in epilepsy inventory (QOLEI) score level, seizure patterns, mood levels and neurocognitive functions. Login using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens for full text. SSOTP - request a copy of the article from the library - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Physical speech problems are often less of a problem for people with Parkinson’s disease than the cognitive ability to keep up with conversations. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) is one of the major causes of intractable epilepsy. It may require a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Many causative factors, including perinatal hypoxia, trauma and genetic influences, have been suggested. Although autoimmunity against neuronal cells has recently been recognised to play a supportive role in its development, very few researchers or clinicians believe that immunological insults are a major cause of MTLE-HS. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Parkinson's disease (PD) presents as a progressive neurological disorder characterised by a number of motor and non-motor features.1 Muscle strength and power are reduced in people with PD compared with age-matched individuals.2 Resistance training is beneficial in the general older population3 but has not been rigorously investigated in people with PD. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Patients who have rosacea are at increased risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Migraine is a highly prevalent and disabling neurological disorder associated with a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the link between migraine and several comorbid psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. We present data on psychiatric risk factors for migraine chronification. We discuss the evidence, theories and methods, such as brain functional imaging, to explain the pathophysiological links between migraine and psychiatric disorders. Finally, we provide an overview of the treatment considerations for treating migraine with psychiatric comorbidities. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
To estimate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in children with epilepsy (CWE) compared with those in a typically developing comparison group. CWE are known to have poor sleep, with increased rates of OSA suggested. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Essential facts: There are two types of stroke – around 85% are ischaemic and 15% are haemorrhagic. According to the Stroke Association’s State of the Nation report, published in January 2016, stroke occurs around 152,000 times a year in the UK. It is the fourth largest cause of death in the UK and one of the largest causes of disability. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
We investigated long-term (to 25 years) seizure prognosis and survival in people with newly diagnosed epilepsy in the community. We explored whether prognosis is different in those with epilepsy (>2 unprovoked seizures) and those with a single seizure at presentation. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
The global epidemiological shift of disease burden towards long-term conditions means understanding long-term outcomes of cardiovascular disease is increasingly important. More people are surviving stroke to experience its long-term consequences, but outcomes in people living more >10 years after stroke have not been described in detail. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
The Neurological Alliance has launched a new patient experience survey for people living with a neurological condition in England. The survey opened on June 30 2016 and will remain open until September 30, and is open to anyone with a neurological condition living in England.
Elevated rates of affective disturbance in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) have been reported. However, it remains unclear how anxiety and depression are related to epilepsy, and it is unknown whether these mood disorders are influenced by the use of antiepileptic drugs. In the present report, we performed a prospective study designed to evaluate affective disorders (anxiety and depression) without the bias of antiepileptic drug treatment in 89 children with BCECTS, based on self-reporting. Furthermore, we sought to determine whether clinical factors, such as age, disease course, seizure frequency, and spike wave index (SWI), were related to the psychological profiles.
Parkinson's disease (PD) presents as a progressive neurological disorder characterised by a number of motor and non-motor features.1 Muscle strength and power are reduced in people with PD compared with age-matched individuals.2 Resistance training is beneficial in the general older population3 but has not been rigorously investigated in people with PD.
Aim
To identify the effects of resistance training on physical function and balance in people with PD. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Cochrane reviews of physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) for Parkinson’s disease found insufficient evidence of effectiveness, but previous trials were methodologically flawed with small sample size and short-term follow-up.
A new report published by the Neurological Alliance has found that GPs in England lack confidence in the primary care pathway for people with neurological conditions. New polling of GPs across the country shows low levels of confidence in the ability of local services and systems to manage neurology patients effectively, and widespread concern over unnecessary delays. It also suggests that GPs feel they would benefit from more support to manage people presenting with suspected neurological symptoms.
Epilepsy care has been identified as a major global issue—and there are many recognised concerns in the UK for children and young people with the condition. A proposed new model could help to increase multisector integration, facilitate better outcomes and offer lessons for improving care of other long-term conditions. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
To investigate the feasibility of a full-scale randomised controlled trial of a picture booklet to improve quality of life for people with epilepsy and learning disabilities. Open Access Article
An evaluation has been undertaken of the pilot project to provide a Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist post for two years funded by Parkinson’s UK. - See more at: http://www.sompar.nhs.uk/latest-news/parkinson-s-community-nurse-project-evaluation/#sthash.Ou572RsQ.dpuf
The innovations selected to join the programme include:
EpSMon: an epilepsy self-management tool which enables patients to monitor their well-being and know when to seek medical support
Serenity Integrated Mentoring (SIM): A collaborative model of care that sees a specialist, trained police officer working within community mental health teams to better mentor, encourage and support some of the most challenging, complex and high risk service users.
Although lacosamide reduced seizure frequency in people with intractable partial seizures compared with placebo, there was a concomitant increase in adverse events, particularly at the higher doses, which in some ultimately led to treatment withdrawal.
The quality of life (QoL) of informal caregivers of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) (PwP) can be affected by the caring role. Because of cognitive symptoms and diminished activities of daily living, in addition to the management of motor symptoms, carers of PwP and cognitive impairment may experience increased levels of burden and poorer QoL compared with carers of PwP without cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the impact of cognitive impairment in PD upon QoL of carers. Login using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens for full text. SSOTP - You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and have a disproportionate impact on quality of life and carer burden. Pharmacological treatment is the main approach in dealing with these symptoms, but it is limited by variable efficacy and risk of drug interactions. Non-pharmacological approaches using the cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) model are viable alternatives and in this review paper we summarise the evidence of CBT for three of the most common psychiatric manifestations of PD: depression and anxiety, impulse-control disorders and insomnia. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Neuroendocrine abnormalities are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and include disruption of melatonin secretion, disturbances of glucose, insulin resistance and bone metabolism, and body weight changes. They have been associated with multiple non-motor symptoms in PD and have important clinical consequences, including therapeutics. Some of the underlying mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD and represent promising targets for the development of disease biomarkers and neuroprotective therapies. In this systems-based review, we describe clinically relevant neuroendocrine abnormalities in Parkinson's disease to highlight their role in overall phenotype. We discuss pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions based on the current evidence. We also review recent advances in the field, focusing on the potential targets for development of neuroprotective drugs in Parkinson's disease and suggest future areas for research. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Case conference. Login at top right hand side of page using your SSSFT NHS Athens for full text. SSOTP - You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Letter. Login using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens for full text. SSOTP - You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
While the increased risk of ALS was statistically significant, the overall risk of ALS was still tiny in the exposure group. Of the 58,279 men in the study only 88 died of ALS. With figures as low as these, there is always the risk than any identified link is actually down to chance.
Editorial. Wahid et al1 describe a boy with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and severe learning difficulties who developed major gastrointestinal problems leading to an extended period of parenteral nutrition (PN) as an inpatient. ....... An important aspect of this case is that after a very long and difficult illness (and against all expectations), gastrointestinal function improved to the extent that weaning from PN was possible. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Research News. A cannabis based drug has shown encouraging results in treating a form of epilepsy unresponsive to existing drugs.
Children with Dravet syndrome, a rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy, may experience many seizures a day. The condition, caused in most cases by a known genetic mutation affecting sodium channels in the brain, occurs in one child in 40 000 and leads to developmental damage and long term learning difficulties. Children affected require lifelong care.
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Behavioural changes associated with epilepsy can be challenging for patients and clinicians. Evidence suggests an association between aggression and epilepsy that involves various neurophysiological and neurochemical disturbances. Anti-epileptics have variable effects on behaviour and cognition that need consideration. Early detection and careful consideration of history, symptomatology and possible common comorbid psychiatric disorders is essential. Appropriate investigations should be considered to aid diagnosis, including electroencephalogram (EEG), video EEG telemetry and brain imaging. Optimising treatment of epilepsy, treatment of psychiatric comorbidities and behavioural management can have a major positive effect on patients’ recovery and well-being. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
A pioneering team that developed an app allowing people with epilepsy to monitor their own condition and health risk, has been shortlisted for a prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ) Award in the Innovation Team category. The BMJ Award is one of the highest honours available within the medical and healthcare professions.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in early Parkinson's disease (PD). We evaluated the stability of PD-MCI over time to determine its clinical utility as a marker of disease. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
An observational study identified living people with epilepsy who matched (by age and geographical region) adolescents and adults with a postmortem diagnosis of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Use of an intervention to prevent SUDEP was determined for each participant who died (before entry into the study or subsequently). Fewer people died when an intervention to reduce SUDEP was employed (on average, 213 fewer deaths per 1000 people with nocturnal supervision and 184 fewer deaths per 1000 people with special precautions). However, data were available for only 367 of the 616 live participants recruited, and evidence was of very low quality, making firm conclusions impossible.
Objective: To determine feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of home-based Reach-to- Grasp training after stroke.
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Objective: To explore the factors perceived to affect rehabilitation assessment and referral practices for patients with stroke. To read the full article, log in using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens details
Complementary non-pharmacological approaches, such as aerobic exercise, have been evaluated for over two decades. The heterogeneity of the interventions and outcomes used hinders the interpretation of the effect of exercise in PD.1 Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have pooled the results, but their conclusions depend greatly on the diversity of the included exercise modalities. .....To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Surgical treatment can bring seizure remission in people with focal epilepsy but requires careful selection of candidates.
Objectives To determine which preoperative factors are associated with postoperative seizure outcome. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. Conclusion: Except for epilepsy, this research has indicated that the risks of drowning while undertaking aquatic activities are not increased in children with pre-existing medical conditions. Children with pre-existing medical conditions can enjoy aquatic activities when appropriately supervised.