EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 4 PM ET, August 25, 2003
Tip Sheet for the August 26, 2003 Neurology Journal
St. Paul, Minn. -
Donepezil found beneficial in treating cognitive impairment in vascular dementia (VaD) patients In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of two doses of donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, the drug improved the cognitive function of VaD patients, with the greatest improvement shown among those taking the lower dose of the medication. Vascular dementia trails only behind Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in prevalence. It differentiates from AD in that decline is generally rapid and may be associated with stroke, as opposed to the steady decline more typical with AD. Brain volume change predicts AD pathology Researchers studying the MRI volume changes during the lives of 39 individuals found that the brain lost volume before there were any clinical symptoms or signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The study reinforces the need for early diagnosis. Clinical trial of topiramate in ALS shows no benefit Researchers conducting a double-blind, placebo controlled, multi-center clinical trial of topiramate in 296 patients with ALS found that at the maximum tolerated dose, up to 800 mg/day, topiramate did not have a beneficial effect and was associated with an increased risk for adverse effects. More New: Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School Campaign The AAN proudly supports the Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School campaign sponsored by The Robert Woods Johnson Foundation. Back-to-School is an annual public awareness campaign that promotes Medicaid and the State Children''''''''s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to uninsured families who may not know they qualify for these programs. Parents are encouraged to call 1(877) KIDS-NOW to find out if their children are eligible. For more information, visit www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org.