The value of oligoclonal bands in the multiple sclerosis diagnostic criteria
Oligoclonal bands have been largely excluded from more recent diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis, including the 2010 McDonald criteria. Arrambide et al. show that adding oligoclonal bands to radiological dissemination in space increases diagnostic sensitivity without compromising specificity.
Optical coherence tomography in autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay
Thickened retinal nerve fibres have been described in patients with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS), a rare neurodegenerative disorder. Parkinson et al. assess 191 ataxic patients by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and show that OCT helps distinguish ARSACS from other causes of ataxia.
A subarachnoid haemorrhage-specific outcome tool
Functional outcomes after subarachnoid haemorrhage have traditionally been assessed using scales borrowed from head injury and ischaemic stroke. Pace et al. develop and validate a specific instrument measuring the cognitive, physical and behavioural/psychological impact of subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Dopaminergic abnormalities following traumatic brain injury
Jenkins et al. report that the dopaminergic system is disrupted in a significant proportion of patients with moderate-severe TBI, even in the absence of clinical motor parkinsonism. The dopaminergic system may therefore be a promising therapeutic target for post-head injury cognitive impairments.
Predicting progression from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment for individuals at 5 years
Albert et al. identify six measures which, in combination, predict progression to mild cognitive impairment with considerable accuracy. This should help identify individuals for inclusion in trials aimed at preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
Fibre-specific white matter reductions in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
‘Fixel’-based analysis enables identification of fibre tract-specific abnormalities. Mito et al. offer new insights into the reduction of fibre connectivity in dementia, revealing extensive disruption of fibre pathways in Alzheimer’s disease, and selective reduction of the posterior cingulum in mild cognitive impairment.
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A focus on US research
Explore our collection of selected highly cited research from US institutions published in Brain. Many of our readers and contributors are from North America and this collection highlights some of the research coming out of the region.
New brain imaging technology answers questions about the spread of Alzheimer's
Recently published in Brain: Tau burden and the functional connectome in Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy
A neurocognitive view on the dimensions of Schadesfreude and envy
Shadenfreude and envy have varying dimensions according to the situations that elicit them. Agustín Ibáñez and colleagues explore variations in brain activity, as the emotions differ depending on their governing dimension.
What are the critical brain networks for creativity?
The concept of creativity is imbued with two contradictory notions. The first notion usually considers that a creative production is the result of high-level control functions such as inhibition, mental manipulation, or planning. These functions are known to depend on the anterior part of the brain: the prefrontal cortex.
Can narcolepsy research help solve one of the greatest medical mysteries of the 20th century?
Over one hundred years after recorded cases, the cause of encephalitis remains unknown.A recent article by Hoffman and Vilensky reviewed the previous and current hypotheses regarding the aetiology of encephalitis lethargica.
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