Welcome to the spring edition of US Neurology. This journal aims to address topical subjects in the field of neurology to stimulate discussion focused on these issues. Articles have been chosen for their evaluation of current practices and research and their discussion of future innovations that directly affect neurologists and other practitioners involved in the care of patients with neurological illness.
We begin with our ever-popular expert interviews, which aim to provide a concise overview of hot topics in neurology. Martin Farlow discusses the concept of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) trial, which is investigating drugs to slow or prevent disease progression in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease families. Lars Tjernberg and Sophia Schedin Weiss discuss their microscopy studies that are elucidating the molecular pathways that underlie Alzheimer’s disease. Nora Vanegas describes her research on the use of imaging techniques to predict the outcomes of deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Finally, we present a selection of interviews conducted at the American Epilepsy Society Meeting in November 2018, which highlight some of the hottest topics in the field.
Despite advances in therapeutic options for multiple sclerosis, the disease still presents substantial challenges for people living with the disease. Kalb et al. present a special report on the National MS Society’s MS Navigator® Service, which aims to facilitate greater patient independence and quality of life. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a treatable immune-mediated neuropathy, although accurate and timely diagnosis can be challenging. Brannagan et al. review the latest advances in treatment approaches.
Eteplirsen received accelerated approval from the FDA for the restoration of dystrophin in a subgroup of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and several other agents are in clinical development. This highlights the importance of accurate methods for measuring dystrophin. In a review article, Schnell et al. assess the currently available techniques to quantify dystrophin.
This issue includes one supplement that features highlights of a spotlight debate on the potential for the antipsychotic agent pimavanserin to increase mortality among patients with Parkinson’s disease psychosis.
US Neurology would like to thank everyone who contributed towards this edition. We would like to thank our contributors and reviewers for providing us with insightful and informative review articles. We are also grateful to all organisations and media partners for their ongoing support and the members of our editorial board for their continued involvement and advice. We trust that you will find this edition of US Neurology an enjoyable and informative read.
