"this is a field where rigorous science can rapidly change lives"   Dr Bardia Nourbakhsh, Associate Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA, is a rising star whose work bridges rigorous clinical neurological research with compassionate, patient-centred care. ...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that often presents with vague or intermittent symptoms, making early recognition particularly challenging in primary care. As diagnostic delays can significantly impact long-term outcomes, timely identification and referral are critical. In alignment ...

In this Q&A, Dr Andy Liu, Associate Professor of Neurology at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses his presentation on the clinical use of lecanemab in Alzheimer’s disease. Drawing on real-world experience and findings from the 2022 CLARITY AD study, Dr Liu explores the treatment’s benefits, challenges in daily practice and the importance of patient-centred care in this evolving therapeutic landscape.

Watch a leading expert discuss the key signs and symptoms of Friedreich ataxia and how to avoid diagnostic delays.

Launching today, the world’s first multisector advocacy movement dedicated to stroke - the Global Stroke Action Coalition - has issued an urgent call to action to address growing inequities in stroke. Already a leading cause of death and disability, without intervention, the global burden of stroke is projected to rise by a further 50% over the next 25 years, claiming 100 million lives and costing US$1.6 trillion each year.  

From 4–6 June 2025, the 20th International Forum on Mood and Anxiety Disorders (IFMAD) will take place in Budapest, Hungary, marking a significant milestone for this long-standing event in psychiatric research and practice. Since its inception in 1999, IFMAD has brought together global experts to explore the latest advances in the understanding and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.

touchNEUROLOGY is delighted to congratulate Dr Amit Bar-Or of Penn Medicine on receiving the 2025 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research, jointly awarded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMMS) and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). This honour recognizes his groundbreaking work in neuroimmunology, precision medicine, and biomarker research in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Over the past two decades, the understanding and management of multiple sclerosis (MS) have advanced dramatically, reshaping long-held views of the disease. MS is now increasingly seen as a continuous spectrum rather than a condition with distinct phases, with evidence showing it can begin silently, even before clinical symptoms emerge. Technological and diagnostic innovations have enabled the detection of early brain changes and biomarkers, opening doors to earlier diagnosis and intervention. New diagnostic criteria allow MS to be identified without a clinical event, and studies on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) support the benefits of early treatment. A major shift in treatment strategy is also underway, emphasizing early, aggressive approaches and therapies that target progression rather than just relapses, which are no longer seen as the main driver of long-term disability. A pivotal development in MS research is the confirmation of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) as a fundamental trigger of the disease, with new evidence pointing to specific viral protein regions as higher-risk factors. Despite these strides, MS research remains a dynamic and evolving field, with much still to be uncovered beneath the surface.

The 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in San Diego brought together over 14,500 neurology professionals from 110 countries and all 50 US states, alongside more than 300 exhibiting companies. It was a week filled with inspiring science, learning, and global collaboration—all in support of advancing brain health for all. Among the many highlights were the late-breaking abstracts, showcasing some of the most exciting developments in neurology. From this impressive selection, we’ve chosen five standout presentations that reflect the innovation and momentum seen throughout the meeting.