Behavioral Neurology

The purpose of this study is to weigh psychological state, patients' demographics, seizure-related factors, and medical comorbidity in older adults with epilepsy against the same parameters in younger adults in an attempt to identify best quality of life (QoL) predictors. The Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory for Adults (QOLIE-31) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were completed by 146 patients with localization-related epilepsy. There was no statistical difference in the QOLIE-31 total score between younger and older adults. Best QoL predictors were BDI-II and seizure frequency, with BDI-II providing more than 3 times the impact of seizure frequency. BDI-II also substantively predicted most QOLIE-31 domains. Additionally, epilepsy duration positively correlated with overall QoL only among older adults. In summary, in younger as well as older adult epilepsy patients, depressive symptoms emerge as the strongest predictor of QoL. However, older adults appear to adapt better to their chronic health problem.

To investigate a possible deterioration of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients during a quarantine period of 60 days, and the impact on caregiver burden. This study consisted of 54 individuals (36 female, 18 male) aged 60 years and over who had been diagnosed with AD. During the quarantine period, caregivers of the patients (child, spouse, relatives) who were confined to their homes were contacted by phone and administered a survey composed of questions for neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver burden. Patients’ mean age was 77.18±6.96 years. The most worsening symptom was forgetfulness (35.2%) and agitation (24.1%). Incoherent speech, introversion, sleep disturbance, hallucinations, carry on with hobbies, reduced personal care, changes in appetite, and incontinence were less deteriorated. Of the caregivers, 61.1% thought that something terrible would happen to the patient, and 38.9% felt they could not find time for themselves. Drug rejection increased the burden tw...

La Metateoría del perdón propuesta en esta obra explora el perdón como un fenómeno multidimensional que trasciende las concepciones morales y jurídicas tradicionales. Desde un enfoque integrador que combina neurociencia, filosofía de la mente, psicología transpersonal y antropología cultural, se plantea que el acto de perdonar puede inducir o estar asociado a estados alterados de conciencia (EAC) caracterizados por cambios en la percepción del yo, el tiempo y la relación con el otro.
El texto analiza cómo dichos estados —incluyendo experiencias de compasión profunda, liberación emocional y expansión de la conciencia— pueden estar mediados por procesos neurofisiológicos, patrones de ondas cerebrales y mecanismos cognitivo-emocionales que facilitan la reestructuración del significado personal. Asimismo, se propone un marco metateórico que articula el perdón como proceso de transformación integral: intrapsíquico, interpersonal y transpersonal. Este modelo busca servir tanto como herramienta de investigación interdisciplinaria como base para intervenciones terapéuticas y educativas orientadas a la sanación y la reconciliación.

Edelman argumenta que la conciencia no es un fenómeno unitario, sino un proceso complejo resultado de la evolución. Distingue entre conciencia primaria (experiencia inmediata en el presente, compartida con animales) y conciencia de orden superior (autoconciencia, lenguaje y memoria en humanos). La clave está en la reentrada, un mecanismo de comunicación neuronal que sincroniza áreas cerebrales dispersas para crear una experiencia unificada. Según Edelman y Tononi, el núcleo dinámico es un proceso cerebral altamente integrado y cambiante que genera la conciencia. No es una estructura física fija, sino un patrón de actividad neuronal...

Le me start by telling you a story. Tom a 17 year old was driving home after his soccer match. Out of nowhere came a car from the front straight into him. Brakes screeched. Tom was flung out of his car into a neighbouring compound. While he was in the air he remembers seeing his left arm still sitting in the car. He was a left hander. What happened next is eerie. Even after recovery from the hospital, he could still feel the presence of his arm. He would extend that arm to pick up the phone, tuck his brother into bed and started getting fearful and paranoid. Philadelphia physician Silas Mitchel described this phenomenon after the American civil war and called it a phantom hand. The frayed and curled up nerves in the stump that supplied the limbs get irritated and inflamed and send signals to the brain centres which believes that there is a limb. Neuroscientist Dr. V.S. Ramachandran is internationally renowned for uncovering answers to the deep and quirky questions of human nature that few scientists have dared to address. He has dealt with the phantom concept In his book Phantoms in the Brain. Strange but true. This brings me to my topic Human mind and body connect. Before I delve into the topic let's try to understand the what is a brain and what is a mind. Are they the same or different? Each learning, each person, every single experience is represented in our brain by a network of neurons. The denser the network, means more synaptic connections there are within that network,-the stronger that information is, the easier we will recall it. Put a person in a positive supportive environment and our brain will learn that we can trust others. So ensure that the school and home are sae environments. When you teach theme teaching or use integrated approach , the neurons make connections and the memory is long lasting. Teaching therefore, cannot be done in silos but linked to the earlier concepts taught. Now put that same person in a fearful environment subject to physical or emotional harm and he will learn this as well. This is due to neuroplasticity of the brain. But, this gift of nature has far reaching consequences. Human and body connect May 13, 2023 Not only should we be aware of it but we have a duty to choose wisely whatever we decide to dedicate our lives to. Lets take for example, A soldier risking his life serving for his country he will have developed the same set of skills than a terrorist plotting the destruction of his sworn enemies. Neuroplasticity of the brain has no moral compass. What then is the mind? Is it different from the brain? 1. The brain, the most intricate organ in the body, has about 86 billion active neurons, which interact with each other to create circuits and exchange information. The mind is a concept that has been debated and explored by scholars, scientists, and theologians for centuries. It can be defined as the complex network of thought processes and consciousness that arises from the neurological activity of the brain. 2. Mind skills can be trained, while brain function cannot be changed. It can be rewired in the sense that if you try to button your shirt with the nonpreferred hand , over a period of time the brain gets adjusted to do it. Research has found that the pilots can fly the virtual planes even when they are seated upside down! Mind skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and communication can all be trained over time to increase the effectiveness of a person's mental processes. Your mind is in fact an ongoing construction of your brain, your body, and the surrounding world. 3. Things in space have a position, at least, and a height, a depth, and a length, or one or more of these. Mental entities, on the other hand, do not have these characteristics. We cannot say that a mind is a two-by-two-by-two-inch cube or a sphere with a twoinch radius, for example, located in a position in space inside the skull. Actually, the average male had a brain volume of 1,274 cubic centimetres (cm3) and that the average female brain measured 1,131 cm3 Lets move to some incredible work done by neuro scientists which indicates the power of the mind over the brain.

El ser humano goza de una peculiar integridad de sus partes, la cual implica un continuo ajuste entre el orden necesario para conservar su unidad y el desorden que se produce en el despliegue de sus acciones. Este ajuste dinámico u «homeostasis vital» se encuentra, en mayor o menor medida, en todos los seres vivos; pero, en el ser humano, pone de manifiesto dos factores: de una parte, la interacción del individuo con otros seres a través de procesos adaptativos, y, de otra, la conservación de la experiencia en vista del dinamismo vital en su conjunto [Lombo-Giménez Amaya 2016: 26]. La unidad dinámica del ser humano implica, ante todo, la integración de los distintos elementos de la experiencia, y, además, la conservación de dicha experiencia en vista del dinamismo vital en su conjunto. En el primer aspecto es donde se encuadra el fenómeno atencional, mientras que el segundo se refiere más a la memoria, la cual se encuentra en continuidad con la atención y requiere un estudio particular. Con todo, lo específico del ser humano es la peculiar relación entre conocimiento y acción, lo que comúnmente se entiende por experiencia. Esta relación va elaborándose desde la recepción sensorial externa, su posterior procesamiento en los sentidos internos y, finalmente, su integración con la afectividad, que permitirá su aplicación a la acción. La correlación humana entre conocimiento y acción es siempre dinámica y sigue un esquema bidireccional, de manera que, para entenderla cabalmente, sea preciso considerar la recíproca influencia entre ambos. En efecto, el ser humano -como otros animales-recibe un abundante flujo de estímulos tanto de la realidad circundante como de su propio organismo. Sin embargo, para poder obrar sobre la realidad, es necesario que esa profusión de datos sea progresivamente integrada a través de la selección y síntesis de estos [Merleau-Ponty 1993: 48], pues «no todo lo percibido resulta igualmente útil o lo es de una manera inmediata» [Lombo-Giménez Amaya 2013: 88].

Officially dismissed between 1987 and 1993, hysteria has been the cornerstone for the birth of neurology, psychoanalysis and dynamic psychology along the 19 th and 20 th centuries. The nosological category is here endorsed as the result of the social construction of scientific facts. Starting from Ian Hacking's reflections on Transient Mental Illnesses, we intend to bring his conclusions towards contextualist epistemology, questioning knowledge as Justified True Belief and further reconsidering the status of DSM categories as scientific kinds. The idea that justificationism may guarantee reliability of knowledge attributions is rejected on a historical base, and knowing is rather considered in the terms of an understanding whose logical and psychological features significantly overlap with the act of believing. Following the work of the later Kuhn, we separate the ideas of scientific revolution and mere taxonomic reformulation. Unlike Hacking, we do not consider DSM rewritings as scientific revolutions. We finally argue that the ontological and methodological premises adopted by DSM and ICD do not yet guarantee on their scientific reliability. Novel revisions are not suitable for better understanding dysfunctional behaviours, as they still fail to account for the phenomenological reality of diagnostic constructs beyond mere social ontology.

Introduction: Our study aims to estimate the characteristics & causes of TSCI at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) in Riyadh city in order to hypothesize strategy for primary prevention of traumatic spinal cord injury. Method: Cross-sectional, Retrospective study was conducted on all TSCI patients who aged 14 and above and who were admitted in rehabilitation center of King Fahad Medical City from January 2012 to December 2015. Furthermore, a descriptive analysis was conducted while considering factors including age, gender, marital status, educational level and causes of injury and characteristics of injury. Results: Total of 216 patients were admitted during this period, mean age was 28.94, majority of patients were male (86.5%), 71.7% of total patients were high school level of education or less, 68% were single, RTA was the main cause with 90.7% and the main result of TSCI was complete paraplegia 37%. Furthermore, statistically we found that male are at a low risk of having incomplete paraplegia compared to female (p = 0.035, RRR=0.35). Conclusion: The rate of TSCI related to RTA has increased in Saudi Arabia in previous years. Despite the government's efforts to decrease RTA. It's clear that we need TSCI registry data developed on the basis of international data standards to have a clear idea about the exact etiology of TSCI in Saudi Arabia. These will assist in planning for primary prevention.

It is flabbergasting to me, that with all the statistics that
are being shared regarding the prevalence of the disease,
individuals still do not know what it is. I am unsure on
why this is still happening in 2016. Personally, I did not
know what Alzheimer’s disease was until my mother was
diagnosed in 2000 and had to do research on my own on
what the disease actually was and there was very little
how you live with the disease. I had to find out both on my
own. To reiterate the statistics, the prevalence of
Alzheimer’s disease is rising at a fast rate. In 2016 [1], 5.4
million Americans of various ages have Alzheimer’s
disease out that statistic, 5.2 million individuals are 65
and older. There are 200,000 individuals out of the 5.4
million Americans that have early onset Alzheimer’s,
which means they are under the age of 65 years of age

Universally, falls are a major communal health problem. An estimated 4,24, 000 fatal falls occur each year, making it the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide, after road traffic injuries. Over 80% of fall-related fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, with regions of the Western Pacific and South East Asia accounting for more than two thirds of these deaths [1]. A fall is defined as an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level. As a result it is usually avoided

Physical activity is suggested to be beneficial for most children with cerebral palsy, whereas studies based on scientific results from reproducibility remain poorly known in such children. This study then asses the reproducibility of skeletal muscle function in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, with a control able-bodied children. 16 children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I and II), 10 males and six females, between 10 and 16 years of age) undertook two trial of assessment of skeletal muscle function with one week inter-test interval. 14 ablebodies aged-and sex-matched (10 boys and four girls) served as controls, undertaking only one test at the first trial. Quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric force (MVIF) and isometric endurance time (IET; contraction time to exhaustion at 50% of MVIF) were measured twice one week follow another week. Muscle strength (test1: 115±18.5 vs. Test2: 115±20.9 Nm-1, p=0.458), (and control: 171.1±23.8m-1, p<0.01, respectively) endurance (test1: 94.80±20.48 vs. Test2: 94.80±20.47 sec., p=0.479), (and control: 106±35.63, p=0.85 and p=0.81 respectively), were reproducible during isometric contraction in children with hemiplegic CP. In conclusion, quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric force (MVIF) and isometric endurance time can help physician to measure strength in rehability service in children with hemiplegic CP.

This study investigates the function of 5-HT type 3 (5-HT3) receptors using a computational approach. Antagonists of the 5-HT3 receptor are currently one of the most effective therapeutic agents in treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and irritable bowel syndrome. Several experimental studies have shown the effect of pharmacological agents such as 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of Cannabis, Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive ingredient of Cannabis plant, Menthol, Propofol, and etc. on the functional human 5-HT3 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocyte as well as rat nodose ganglion neurons. 5-HT evoked currents recorded by a two-electrode clamp technique were inhibited by ligands in a concentration dependent manner. Simulations of allosteric inhibition were modeled using Vina docking techniques with the 5-HT3 structure. The 5-HT3 structure was found using homology sequence similarity techniques with the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nACH) and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor for GABA (A). Results of studies with other members of the super family of ligand gated ion channels signified key residues involved in ligand binding sites within the transmembrane region of 5-HT3. Flexible and rigid docking simulations around key residues resulted in a number of low-energy (high affinity) configurations of ligand binding. The predicted residues TYR and THR may constitute a naturally occurring binding site for 5-HT3.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of syndromes of diverse etiology with a common set of core symptoms that include three core symptoms: communication difficulties, social challenges and repetitive behavior. Drugs for treating these symptoms represent a huge area of unmet need, especially in pediatric population. Side effects affecting lipids and glucose metabolism and neurological status are among main concernes. Newer Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have improved side effect profiles and have shown some efficacy in subiects for treating aggressive symptoms in children with ASDs. In this review we examine and illustrate the mechanisms of action of AEDs; we speculate on the possible effect of new AEDs on pathophysiological mechanisms and on their clinical efficacy in cognitive and behavioral disorders of ASDs patients.

Feeding practices in end-of-life dementia care are marked by complex tensions between upholding resident autonomy, fulfilling care imperatives, and navigating institutional constraints. This ethnographic study, conducted across two aged care homes in Adelaide, South Australia, explores how these dynamics unfold as a complex adaptive system shaped by ethical dilemmas, caregiver adaptations, institutional structures, and resident agency. Over twelve months, participant observation during mealtimes at two facilities (one with 76 beds and the other with 160 beds) was supplemented by 18 semistructured interviews. These interviews included 7 residents, 8 staff members, and 3 family members. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo within the Complex Adaptive Systems framework. Findings reveal four interconnected dimensions: (1) Embodied distress and agency; (2) Food refusal as an adaptive interaction; (3) Institutional constraints and unintended consequences; and (4) Feeding as moral labour. The study challenges static models of autonomy versus care, advocating for flexible and person-centred approaches that prioritise relational ethics, adaptive practices and policymaking. By framing feeding as a complex adaptive system, this work contributes to social science debates on institutional rigidity, caregiver adaptation, and the embodied realities of end-of-life dementia care, offering pathways to harmonise systemic constraints with the dynamic needs of residents and caregivers.

“Frontotemporal dementia” (FTD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the focal involvement of the frontal and/or temporal lobes. FTD has three clinical phenotypes: the behavioral variant and two linguistic subtypes, namely, non-fluent/agrammatic primary progressive aphasia (PPA-NF/A) and semantic PPA (PPA-S). FTD is the second most common cause of dementia in individuals under the age of 65 years. This article presents recommendations for the diagnosis of FTD in the Brazilian scenario, considering the three levels of complexity of the health system: primary health care, secondary and tertiary levels. Diagnostic guidelines are proposed, including cognitive testing, behavioral and language assessments, laboratory tests, and neuroimaging.

Introduction : One of the main consequences of the aging population is increasing the prevalence of dementia, especially Alzheimer&#39;s disease (AD). The AD is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by extraneuronal plaque buildup amyloids and neurofibrillary tangles intraneuronal especially in parts temporal lobe that determine the decline cognitive progressivo 1 . This study aimed to analyze the symptoms and diagnostic procedures of AD in aging. Literature Review : The papers were selected in the SciELO database, using the keywords: aging and Alzheimer without delimiting period. Neuropsychiatric symptoms usually include behavioral domains, including: delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression, depression, dysphoria, anxiety, elation, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, lability, aberrant motor behavior, sleep disturbances and appetite changes and eating disorders. The AD, in its initial phase, is accompanied by lexical-semantic problems similar to those found ...

In 2005, the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology published recommendations for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease These recommendations were updated following a review of evidence retrieved from national and international studies held on PUBMED, SCIELO and LILACS medical databases. The main aims of this review article are as follows: 1) to present the evidence found on Brazilian (LILACS, SCIELO) and International (MEDLINE) databases from articles published up to May 2011, on the differential diagnosis of these psychiatric disorders and dementia, with special focus on Dementia due to Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, including a review of supplementary exams which may facilitate the diagnostic process; and 2) to propose recommendations for use by clinicians and researchers involved in diagnosing patients with dementia. Differential diagnosis between dementia and other neuropsychiatric disorders should always include assessments for depression, delirium, and use of psychoactive substances, as well as investigate the use of benzodiazepines, anti-epileptics and pattern of alcohol consumption.

In 2005, the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology published recommendations for the diagnosis of Alzheimer&#39;s disease These recommendations were updated following a review of evidence retrieved from national and international studies held on PUBMED, SCIELO and LILACS medical databases. The main aims of this review article are as follows: 1) to present the evidence found on Brazilian (LILACS, SCIELO) and International (MEDLINE) databases from articles published up to May 2011, on the differential diagnosis of these psychiatric disorders and dementia, with special focus on Dementia due to…

Background: Hazardous use of alcohol is a public health problem which accounts for 4.0% of global burden of disease. There are very few studies about alcohol consumption trend among tribal in Bangladesh. We investigated the pattern and trend with reasons for alcohol use in Hill Tract dwellers with the aim to increase the awareness of this problem. Objective: To identify the pattern of alcohol use and its effect among the tribal so that effective measures can be taken to eliminate the social evil. Materials and method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among tribal community of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Rangamati district, Bangladesh between June 2014 to February 2015. Out of 846 people coming in 'Naniarchor' and 'Langadu' upazila health complexes 716 (84.6%) constituted the study group. The CAGE test was used as a screening test in determining alcohol dependence. Results: The prevalence of alcohol consumption among tribal is 48.9%. Rural areas (65%) are the most vulnerable area. Home-made alcohol (61%) was the most patronized alcoholic beverage. Most of the cases (82%) started alcohol before 30 years of age and 46% participants took alcohol daily. To get pleasure is the commonest factor for taking alcohol (57%). Physical and mental degenerations were found in most of the alcoholic cases (88%). Conclusion: The results of the present study are likely to increase the awareness of the problem in hill areas and help the concerned authorities to shape the requisite alcohol control policies in these regions.

Since the publication of the latest recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Vascular Dementia by the Brazilian Academy of Neurology in 2011, significant advances on the terminology and diagnostic criteria have been made. This manuscript is the result of a consensus among experts appointed by the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (2020-2022). We aimed to update practical recommendations for the identification, classification, and diagnosis of Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI). Searches were performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, and LILACS databases. This guideline provides a comprehensive review and then synthesizes the main practical guidelines for the diagnosis of VCI not only for neurologists but also for other professionals involved in the assessment and care of patients with VCI, considering the different levels of health care (primary, secondary and tertiary) in Brazil.

At the beginning of 2025, the Fact Finders Group, which gathers Ambassadresses and Ambassadors as well as diplomatic staff in Portugal, invited Emanuel Dimas de Melo Pimenta to give a lecture about planetary transformations, at the Palácio das Galveias in Lisbon (16th century), with reference to some of the books and texts written by the architect and composer over the last forty years. The conference, held on February 10, 2025, was produced and directed by philologist Margarida Monteiro Ruas, MA and PhD in communication sciences, founder of the Lisbon Water Museum and a leading European expert on water and culture. The Palácio das Galveias is a heritage site of the City of Lisbon and today an interesting library. The text of the lecture: Individual - The Metamorphosis of the Planet, deals with the birth of the figure of the "individual" in Classical Antiquity, its gradual and rapid dissolution in the 21st century and the impact on contemporary societies. At the time of the lecture, the president of Fact Finders was Cypriot Ambassador Despina Christodoulidou.

Background: Hazardous use of alcohol is a public health problem which accounts for 4.0% of global burden of disease. There are very few studies about alcohol consumption trend among tribal in Bangladesh. We investigated the pattern and trend with reasons for alcohol use in Hill Tract dwellers with the aim to increase the awareness of this problem. Objective: To identify the pattern of alcohol use and its effect among the tribal so that effective measures can be taken to eliminate the social evil. Materials and method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among tribal community of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Rangamati district, Bangladesh between June 2014 to February 2015. Out of 846 people coming in 'Naniarchor' and 'Langadu' upazila health complexes 716 (84.6%) constituted the study group. The CAGE test was used as a screening test in determining alcohol dependence. Results: The prevalence of alcohol consumption among tribal is 48.9%. Rural areas (65%) are the most vulnerable area. Home-made alcohol (61%) was the most patronized alcoholic beverage. Most of the cases (82%) started alcohol before 30 years of age and 46% participants took alcohol daily. To get pleasure is the commonest factor for taking alcohol (57%). Physical and mental degenerations were found in most of the alcoholic cases (88%). Conclusion: The results of the present study are likely to increase the awareness of the problem in hill areas and help the concerned authorities to shape the requisite alcohol control policies in these regions.

El amor romántico se manifiesta de manera compleja, variando en su naturaleza según las relaciones que se establecen, presentando una cualidad única en cada vínculo. Este tipo de amor puede entenderse como un proceso profundamente biológico y dinámico, en el cual están involucradas diferentes neurohormonas que actúan a nivel cerebral. Las técnicas de neuroimagen, como la fRMN y las PET, proporcionan un acceso sin igual a la red cerebral asociada con el amor romántico humano. Interpretarlas es uno de los mayores desafíos científicos de la actualidad. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo hacer un aporte a la comprensión del sustrato neurobiológico del amor romántico. Se partirá de algunas conceptualizaciones acerca de la temática, que incluyen fundamentalmente una perspectiva neuroquímica, de áreas cerebrales y de comportamientos consecuentes. Se desarrollan algunas definiciones de amor y los tipos de amor, de los que el amor romántico es uno de ellos. Además, se desarrolla brevemente la teoría del apego, y el apego en parejas desde el enfoque de la biología evolutiva, sobre la neuroquímica del amor, con la intención de facilitar la comprensión de los estudios de neuroimágenes y sus implicancias. Se exploran distintas investigaciones neurocientíficas del amor romántico, excluyendo investigaciones en modelos animales, aunque cabe destacar que estas constituyen la base teórica del estudio en personas. El énfasis está puesto en los correlatos de neuroimágenes y bioquímicos de este estado subjetivo.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) mirrors human cognitive abilities, tackling discrepancies, disorientation and differentiating choices. It embodies Targeted AI (task-specific) and General AI (copying human intellect). Employing Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, and Computer Vision, and diverse realms. Despite its pervasive influence, AI evokes ethical quandaries and socio-economic quandaries. In September 2022, I administered an online survey to assess individuals' grasp of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence in our daily routines. The survey drew 230 responses from participants aged between 11 and 83 years old.

Background and Purpose: We present two cases exemplifying the broad phenotypic spectrum associated with pathogenic changes in KCNB1 protein. Our case series highlights the variability of the outcomes of this genetic condition. Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective review of medical histories of two patients under the age of 18 years with KCNB1 related neurodevelopmental disorder. We performed a literature review from published articles in PubMed indexed journals. Brief Report: A 9-year-old girl with developmental delay and autism found to have a pathogenic mutation in the KCNB1 gene presented with regression in her language, staring spells, and EEG findings suggestive of Electrographic Status Epilepticus in Sleep (ESES). She is maintained on Clobazam and continues to make gains in her milestones. A 16-year-old boy with a heterozygous mutation in the KCNB1 gene presented with mild intellectual disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. His EEG showed frequent bursts of generalized, sharply contoured theta activity-a finding of uncertain clinical significance. However, no clinical seizures were mentioned. He is maintained on valproic acid for mood stabilization. Conclusion: The phenotype associated with KCNB1-related neurodevelopmental disorders is variable and includes epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and psychiatric diagnoses. While our first patient had typical manifestations of the condition, treatment with anti-seizure medication was seen as beneficial. Our second patient had no clinical seizures, and his case highlights the importance of assessing the risk-benefit ratio of anti-seizure medication. It is important to understand the spectrum of the disease in order to identify clinical manifestations and perform early testing for a better prognosis.

This paper presents the consensus of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging from the Brazilian Academy of Neurology on the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Brazil. The authors conducted a literature review regarding clinical and research criteria for AD diagnosis and proposed protocols for use at primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels. Within this clinical scenario, the diagnostic criteria for typical and atypical AD are presented as well as clinical, cognitive, and functional assessment tools and complementary propaedeutics with laboratory and neuroimaging tests. The use of biomarkers is also discussed for both clinical diagnosis (in specific conditions) and research.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative dementias have a progressive course, impairing cognition, functional capacity, and behavior. Most studies have focused on AD. Severe dementia is associated with increased age, higher morbidity-mortality, and rising costs of care. It is fundamental to recognize that severe dementia is the longest period of progression, with patients living for many years in this stage. It is the most heterogeneous phase in the process, with different abilities and life expectancies. This practice guideline focuses on severe dementia to improve management and care in this stage of dementia. As it is a long period in the continuum of dementia, clinical practice should consider non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Multidisciplinary interventions (physical therapy, speech therapy, nutrition, nursing, and others) are essential, besides educational and support to caregivers.

A great prevalence of psychiatric disorders in epilepsy is well demonstrated, although most studies have used unstructured psychiatric interviews for diagnosis. Here we present a study evaluating the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in a cohort of Southern Brazilian patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using a structured clinical interview. We analyzed 166 patients with TLE regarding neuropsychiatric symptoms through the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. One hundred-six patients (63.9%) presented psychiatric comorbidities. Mood disorders were observed in 80 patients (48.2%), anxiety disorders in 51 patients (30.7%), psychotic disorders in 14 (8.4%), and substance abuse in 8 patients (4.8%) respectively. Our results agree with literature data where most authors detected mental disorders in 10 to 60% of epileptic patients. This wide variation is probably attributable to different patient groups investigated and to the great variety of diagnostic methods. Structure...

Dementia is a collection of symptoms associated with impaired cognition and impedes everyday normal functioning. Dementia, with Alzheimer&#39;s disease constituting its most common type, is highly complex in terms of etiology and pathophysiology. A more quantitative or computational attitude towards dementia research, or more generally in neurology, is becoming necessary - Computational Neurology. We provide a focused review of some computational approaches that have been developed and applied to the study of dementia, particularly Alzheimer&#39;s disease. Both mechanistic modeling and data-drive, including AI or machine learning, approaches are discussed. Linkage to clinical decision support systems for dementia diagnosis will also be discussed.

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been widely investigated in young adults. This study aims to describe the risk factors of ICH with a focus on the possible effect of non-modifiable risk factors, such as genetic factors, to assess the ICH outcomes, and to identify the prognostic factors after ICH among young adult patients. Methods: This prospective and observational study was conducted at two hospitals at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar, namely Hamad General Hospital and Alkhor Hospital. The study included young patients (16–45 years old) admitted with ICH between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018. Results: We examined 238 consecutive young patients with ICH consisting of 212 (89.1%) males and 26 (10.9%) females. The mean age was 37.8±6.23 years. The most common risk factor found in 187 (78.6%) patients was hypertension (HTN), while 19 (8.0%) patients had no obvious risk factors (cryptogenic). The primary site of bleeding was cerebral cortex (lobar) in 107 (4...

On the 50th anniversary of Norman Geschwind's seminal paper entitled 'Disconnexion syndrome in animal and man', we pay tribute to his ideas by applying contemporary tractography methods to understand white matter disconnection in 3 classic cases that made history in behavioral neurology. We first documented the locus and extent of the brain lesion from the computerized tomography of Phineas Gage's skull and the magnetic resonance images of Louis Victor Leborgne's brain, Broca's first patient, and Henry Gustave Molaison. We then applied the reconstructed lesions to an atlas of white matter connections obtained from diffusion tractography of 129 healthy adults. Our results showed that in all 3 patients, disruption extended to connections projecting to areas distant from the lesion. We confirmed that the damaged tracts link areas that in contemporary neuroscience are considered functionally engaged for tasks related to emotion and decision-making (Gage), language production (Leborgne), and declarative memory (Molaison). Our findings suggest that even historic cases should be reappraised within a disconnection framework whose principles were plainly established by the associationist schools in the last 2 centuries.

Statement of the Problem: Considering the raising of worldwide longevity and the consequent raising of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, a current public health priority, it is important to seek approaches of treatment for improving the quality of life of these elderly which presents impairment of functional capacity, cognition and in behavior aspects. Up to date, the pharmacological treatment has presented limited symptomatic effects and the non-pharmacological interventions have gained more attention as well for the AD as for its previous stage, the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefit of a specific non-pharmacological treatment, the physiotherapy, through two approaches-aerobic training (walking, cycling) and resistance training (strength training) in alleviating neuropsychiatric symptoms-depression, apathy, agitation-in this population. Methodology: A systematic review of the literature published between 2015 and 2017 was conducted with searches in three databases: Pubmed, Medline and Cochrane Library. Findings: The most prevalent conclusion among these studies is that these two approaches of physiotherapy (aerobic and resistance training) for elderly diagnosed with MCI and AD act in a neuroprotective way, being able of postponing both the functional decline and the behavior worsening. Conclusion & Significance: The physiotherapeutical proposal suggested in this study is safe and effective as an adjunct nonpharmacological treatment for elderly with MCI and AD. However, more carefully elaborated observational studies with broader populations is recommended to definitely stablish the role of these two physiotherapeutical approaches in improving neuropsychiatric symptoms at the referred population.

Meat is one of the largest sources of protein and one of the foods most consumed by humans. In recent years, animal welfare has become one of the main requirements in relation to the consumption of animal products, since the current consumer has become more demanding presenting several criteria during the purchase decision process. It should be noted that food products are generally classified as "attributes of experience", since their properties cannot be known until they are prepared and consumed. The objective of this study, through research data collection, was to report the main factors considered in the beef product selection criterion, especially on issues related to animal welfare. The great changes observed globally in recent years have resulted in changes in the profile of beef consumers, in order to raise their concern about the origin of the products consumed. Changes in consumption habits are intrinsically related to the management and well-being of animals, as well as their interaction on the quality of products derived from them. The main agents responsible for the greatest demand of Brazilian consumers for products of animal origin were the increase in the purchasing power of consumers and the high visibility of the sanitary and ethical requirements of the import market.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar aspectos produtivos, sanitários e de composição do leite de ovelhas da raça Lacaune, bem como o comportamento dos animais em sala de ordenha. Amostras foram coletadas no dia 10, 90 e 150 de lactação, utilizando 27, 22 e 12 animais, respectivamente, visto que algumas fêmeas não apresentaram persistência de lactação até o final das coletas. Para a análise do leite procedeu-se a determinação dos teores de gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais, contagem de células somáticas e, realizou-se o isolamento e identificação de possíveis agentes etiológicos de mastite. A produção de leite foi mensurada nos três períodos. A análise da reatividade em sala de ordenha baseou-se no registro de comportamentos expressados pelas ovelhas durante o manejo. Com o transcorrer do período de lactação, houve redução na produção de leite e no seu teor de lactose, e elevação das concentrações de gordura, proteína e sólidos totais. Houve predomínio de Staphylococcus coagulase negativa entre as colônias de bactérias isoladas do leite, com prevalência de 67,74%, 26,66% e 71,43%, no dia 10, 90 e 150 de lactação, respectivamente. Quanto a análise comportamental, observou-se maior frequência de reatividade no primeiro período de avaliação. Conclui-se que o rebanho estudado apresentou baixa produção de leite e elevada ocorrência de mastite. O agente etiológico Staphilococcus coagulase negativa é o principal causador de mastite ovina. Ovelhas Lacaune apresentam melhores condições de bem-estar animal após se adaptarem ao manejo de ordenha.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative dementias have a progressive course, impairing cognition, functional capacity, and behavior. Most studies have focused on AD. Severe dementia is associated with increased age, higher morbidity-mortality, and rising costs of care. It is fundamental to recognize that severe dementia is the longest period of progression, with patients living for many years in this stage. It is the most heterogeneous phase in the process, with different abilities and life expectancies. This practice guideline focuses on severe dementia to improve management and care in this stage of dementia. As it is a long period in the continuum of dementia, clinical practice should consider non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Multidisciplinary interventions (physical therapy, speech therapy, nutrition, nursing, and others) are essential, besides educational and support to caregivers.

Reversible frontotemporal brain sagging syndrome A 71-year-old man presented with 6 years of forgetfulness, behavioral change, intrusive "growling" vocalizations, orthostatic headaches, and a cough. MRI brain was consistent with frontotemporal brain sagging syndrome (figure, A). He subsequently fell, hitting his chest on a chair, with immediate resolution of his cough, cognitive improvement, and corresponding radiologic desagging (figure, B; video on the Neurology ® Web site at Neurology.org). Frontotemporal brain sagging syndrome may be caused by intracranial hypotension secondary to CSF leakage along nerve root sleeves and is a potentially treatable frontotemporal dementia mimic. 1 In this case, the fall may have caused a contusion injury and given him an auto-blood patch.

Lexical-semantic variables (such as word frequency, imageability and age of acquisition) have been studied extensively in neuropsychology to address the structure of the word production system. The evidence available on this issue is still rather controversial, mainly because of the very complex interrelations between lexical-semantic variables. Moreover, it is not clear whether the results obtained in Indo-European languages also hold in languages with a completely different structure and script, such as Chinese. The objective of the present study is to investigate this specific issue by studying the effect of word frequency, imageability, age of acquisition, visual complexity of the stimuli to be named, grammatical class and morphological structure in word and picture naming in Chinese. The effect of these variables on naming and reading accuracy of healthy and braindamaged individuals is evaluated using mixed-effect models, a statistical technique that allows to model both fixed and random effects; this feature substantially enhances the statistical power of the technique, so that several variables-and their complex interrelations-can be handled effectively in a unique analysis. We found that grammatical class interacts consistently across tasks with morphological structure: all participants, both healthy and brain-damaged, found simple nouns significantly easier to read and name than complex nouns, whereas simple and complex verbs were of comparable difficulty. We also found that imageability was a strong predictor in picture naming, but not in word naming, whereas the contrary held true for age of acquisition. These results are taken to indicate the existence of a morphological level of processing in the Chinese word production system, and that reading aloud may occur along a non-semantic route (either lexical or sub-lexical) in this language.

Purpose: Description of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) of a patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, who experienced chronic negative auditory hallucinations (voices). Case description: Elements of CBT complemented by the use of virtual reality were described. Stages of the therapy of a 40-yearold patient hearing voices constantly for 7 years were presented. During the therapy, the patient was still treated pharmacologically (olanzapine 20 mg/day and risperidone 2 mg/day). Conceptualisation of the problem, therapy plan and the course of selected therapeutic interventions using an avatar were discussed. The empty chair technique supported by the use of the avatar was presented. The effects of 20 therapeutic sessions were evaluated, confirming a significant reduction in the frequency and intrusiveness of voices and sustainability of these effects in the 6-month follow-up. Comment: The described case is an example of a short-term effective therapeutic intervention during which, at the cognitive level, changes were observed in the experienced auditory hallucinations. Thanks to the use of the avatar, it was possible to create a representation of auditory hallucinations and to give them physical features, and, consequently, to work on changing beliefs about the source of these hallucinations. Furthermore, during the therapy, the avatar served as an exponent of critical content which the patient experienced in relations with his father.

The two objectives of the following paper are: to make few remarks on the topic absorbing neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychiatrists-integration and division of their specialties; and to describe the situation in Poland, reflected in the latest literature. The authors describe the former and present processes of approaches and divisions in psychiatry and neurology. They indicate dissemination of mutual methods of structural and action brain neuroimaging, neurophysiology, neurogenetics, and advanced neurophysiology diagnostics. As it seems, even the effectiveness of psychotherapy, has recently been associated with changes in brain in functional and even structural markers. The authors indicate the value of the strive to join the still divided specialties, reflected worldwide in attempts of common education and clinical cooperation of physicians. It can be expected that subsequent years will bring further triumphs of neuropsychiatry-a field that combines psychiatry and neurology.