Neurosciences

Your computer has a lot of 'memory' and using the computer, plus exercising, could help you keep your memory. In the May issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings researchers say ...

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — You think your computer has a lot of memory and if you keep using your computer you may, too. VIDEO ALERT: Click here as Dr. Geda explains the study. Combining mentally stimulating activities, such as using a computer, with moderate exercise decreases your odds of having memory loss more than computer use or exercise alone, a Mayo Clinic study shows. Previous studies have shown that exercising your body and your mind will help your memory but the new study, published in the May 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, reports a synergistic interaction between computer activities and moderate exercise in "protecting" the brain function in people better than 70 years old. Researchers studies 926 people in Olmsted County, Minn., ages 70 to 93, who completed self-reported questionnaires on physical exercise, and computer use within one year prior of the date of interview. Moderate physical exercise was defined as brisk walking, hiking, aerobics, strength training, golfing without a golf cart, swimming, doubles tennis, yoga, martial arts, using exercise machines and weightlifting. Mentally stimulating activities included reading, crafts, computer use, playing games, playing music, group and social and artistic activities and watching less television. Of those activities the study singled out computer use because of its popularity, said study author Yonas E. Geda, M.D., a physician scientist with Mayo Clinic in Arizona. "The aging of baby boomers is projected to lead to dramatic increases in the prevalence of dementia," Dr. Geda said. "As frequent computer use has becoming increasingly common among all age groups, it is important to examine how it relates to aging and dementia. Our study further adds to this discussion."

JOURNALISTS: Mayo Clinic is presenting several abstracts at the American Academy of Neurology 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Mayo experts are available for comment.  Contact: Brian Kilen 507-284-5005 (days) ...

JOURNALISTS: Mayo Clinic is presenting several abstracts at the American Academy of Neurology 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Mayo experts are available for comment.  Contact: Brian Kilen 507-284-5005 (days) ...

The April 28th Medical Edge Weekend program featured Dr. Robert Brown of Mayo Clinic talking about stroke.  A stroke occurs when the blood supply to ...

JOURNALISTS: Mayo Clinic is presenting several abstracts at the American Academy of Neurology 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.  Mayo experts are available for comment.  Contact: Brian Kilen 507-284-5005 ...

JOURNALISTS: Mayo Clinic is presenting several abstracts at the American Academy of Neurology 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.  Mayo experts are available for comment.  Contact: Brian Kilen 507-284-5005 ...

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Forced body cooling known as therapeutic hypothermia has reduced in-hospital deaths among sudden cardiac arrest patients nearly 12 percent between 2001 and 2009, according to a Mayo Clinic study being presented at the upcoming American Academy of Neurology 2012 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The research is among several Mayo abstracts that will be discussed at the conference. The goal of therapeutic cooling is slowing the body's metabolism and preventing brain damage or death. It is believed that mild therapeutic hypothermia suppresses harmful chemical reactions in the brain and preserves cells. Two key studies published in 2002 found therapeutic hypothermia more effective for sudden cardiac arrest patients than traditional therapies. Mayo researchers analyzed a database covering more than 1 million patients and found mortality rates among in-hospital sudden cardiac arrest patients dropped from 69.6 percent in 2001 — the year before the studies appeared — to 57.8 percent in 2009, the most recent data available. "Because we reviewed such a large number of cases, we are confident that the reduction in mortality among in-hospital sudden cardiac arrest patients is significant and sustained," says co-author Alejandro Rabinstein, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist. "We continue to seek answers to the questions: Why did this trend develop, and how can we accelerate it," says co-author Jennifer Fugate, D.O. These measures are important because disease accumulates in the cortex over time, and inflammation in the cortex is a sign the disease has progressed. Other studies being presented at AAN include: Structured resident sign-out during shift changes improves patient care: In the study, junior residents in Mayo Clinic's General Neurology, Stroke and Neurologic Intensive Care Units spent the first half of their rotations using unstructured sign-out approaches and transitioned to a structured system for the second half. The residents reported that the standardized sign-out improved communication substantially, including information on pertinent past medical history, pending lab tests, recommendations on how to handle nursing and pharmacy calls, and up-to-date code status. Residents using standardized sign-out were also more likely to share test results with patients and their families prior to shift changes. This led to a significant increase in overall satisfaction with the sign-out process. "This study is particularly timely now, when residency programs are adjusting to new duty-hour restrictions established in 2010," says lead author Brian Moseley, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurology resident and Assistant Professor of Neurology. "When you have hand-offs because of the duty restrictions, unless the communication is good, there is a lot of opportunity for error," says Jeffrey Britton, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist and study co-author. "This structured method seems to both prevent the error, but also make the patient and their family feel comfortable that this important communication is happening," says Dr. Britton.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic researchers will present findings on stroke and aneurysm treatments and other neurosurgery research at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons annual scientific meeting April 14-18 in Miami. Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons will be available to provide comment for reporters covering the conference. Mayo Clinic studies that will be presented and their embargo dates include: Carotid endarterectomy is a safe, less expensive treatment for stroke A Mayo Clinic study of 1,492 patients found endarerectomaties are a safe, less expensive treatment option for certain patients at risk for stroke. Endarterectomy is used to treat carotid artery disease, a condition in which the carotid arteries narrow or clog, and blood struggles to reach the brain, causing a stroke. "In our study, we found endarterectomy was largely effective," says co-author Fredric Meyer, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon. "Endarterectomy is less expensive than the other treatment for carotid artery disease, so this is important for physicians to recognize." Endarerectomaties cost roughly $200 to $400 less per procedure than carotid angioplasty, the other main treatment to restore proper blood flow to the head. In an endarterectomy, plaque is separated from an artery wall. Angioplasty involves temporarily inserting and inflating a tiny balloon to widen the clogged artery. Different techniques safe and effective for stroke treatment A treatment strategy using different techniques alone or together based on clinical and angiographic features is an effective and safe way to manage intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF), says study co-author Giuseppe Lanzino, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon. Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas are abnormal connections between an artery and a vein inside the brain. "The most dangerous complication of a cranial DAVF is brain hemorrhage," says David Daniels, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon and study co-author. Depending on the location, an unruptured fistula can cause neurological problems and blindness. Researchers studied 60 consecutive patients evaluated for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas at Mayo Clinic since 2008. Data collected include patient demographics, presenting symptoms and signs, angioarchitecture, treatment recommendations, clinical outcomes, complications and radiological follow-up.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — April 2, 2012.  A new report released today from the Institute of Medicine highlights numerous gaps in the knowledge and management of epilepsy and recommends actions for improving the lives of those with epilepsy and their families and promoting better understanding of the disorder. Effective treatments for epilepsy are available but access to treatment and timely referrals to specialized care are often lacking, the report's expert committee found. Joseph Sirven, M.D., chair of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona was one of the 16 members of the committee which met for more than a year to create the report. Among the key highlights of the more than 400-page report: Misperceptions about epilepsy persist and a focus on raising public awareness and knowledge is needed, the report adds. Educating community members such as teachers, employers, and others on how to manage seizures could help improve public understanding of epilepsy. Reaching rural and underserved populations, as well as providing state-of-the art care for people with persistent seizures, is particularly crucial. The report's recommendations for expanding access to patient-centered health care include early. Identification and treatment of epilepsy and associated health conditions, implementing measures that assess quality of care, and establishing accreditation criteria and processes for specialized epilepsy centers. Some causes of epilepsy, such as traumatic brain injury, infection, and stroke, are preventable. Prevention efforts should continue for these established risk factors. People with epilepsy need additional education and skills to optimally manage their disorder. Consistent delivery of accurate, clearly communicated health information from sources that include health care professionals and epilepsy organizations can better prepare those with epilepsy and their families to cope with the disorder and its consequences. Living with epilepsy can affect employment, driving ability, and many other aspects of quality of life. The report stresses the importance of improved access to a range of community services, including vocational, educational, transportation, transitional care, and independent living assistance as well as support groups. The report suggests several strategies for stakeholders to improve public knowledge of the disorder, including forming partnerships with the media, establishing advisory councils, and engaging people with epilepsy and their families to serve as advocates and educators within their communities.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — People with symptoms suggesting rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, have twice the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Parkinson's disease within four years of diagnosis with the sleep problem, compared with people without the disorder, a Mayo Clinic study has found. The researchers published their findings recently in the Annals of Neurology. VIDEO ALERT: For video of Dr. Boeve talking about the study and for b-roll of study participants with RBD, visit the Mayo Clinic News Blog. One of the hallmarks of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a state of paralysis. In contrast, people with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, appear to act out their dreams when they are in REM sleep. Researchers used the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire to diagnose probable RBD in people who were otherwise neurologically normal. Approximately 34 percent of people diagnosed with probable RBD developed MCI or Parkinson's disease within four years of entering the study, a rate 2.2 times greater than those with normal rapid eye movement sleep. "Understanding that certain patients are at greater risk for MCI or Parkinson's disease will allow for early intervention, which is vital in the case of such disorders that destroy brain cells. Although we are still searching for effective treatments, our best chance of success is to identify and treat these disorders early, before cell death," says co-author Brad Boeve, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist. Previous studies of Mayo Clinic patients have shown that an estimated 45 percent of people who suffer from RBD will develop a neurodegenerative syndrome such as mild cognitive impairment or Parkinson's disease within five years of diagnosis.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A recent Mayo Clinic study on yips, a condition that has baffled golfers and scientists for decades, will be a featured presentation ...