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Current Practice and Future Perspectives of Neurological Conditions Caused by...
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Current Practice and Future Perspectives of Neurological Conditions Caused by Neurodegeneration

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Neurology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 4744

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lilla Bonanno

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, 98124 Messina, Italy
Interests: neuroimaging; neurophysiology; neurorehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades researchers have been trying to enhance the development of reliable biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, while medical practice has been moving toward precision medicine. However, there is still an urgent need to identify disease-specific biomarkers to improve the early diagnostic workup, favor clinical classification and prognostic models, and facilitate the development of effective disease-modifying therapies. Most neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are late onset, meaning there is some factor that changes as a person ages for each disease. One constant factor is that in each disease, neurons gradually lose function as the disease progresses with age. About 20–40% of healthy people between 60 and 78 years old experience discernable decrements in cognitive performance in several domains, including working, spatial, episodic memory, and processing speed.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the current knowledge regarding neurodegeneration pathogenic mechanisms and underline possible current practices and future perspectives in neurodegenerative diseases.

In this Special Issue, original articles and reviews are welcome. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Lilla Bonanno
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Huntington's disease
  • multiple system atrophy
  • prion diseases

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
Supplementing Best Care with Specialized Rehabilitation Treatment in Parkinson’s Disease: A Retrospective Study by Different Expert Centers
by Maria Felice Ghilardi, Angelo Quartarone, Alessandro Di Rocco, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, Sheng Luo, Hongliang Liu, Monica Norcini, Margherita Canesi, Veronica Cian, Marianna Zarucchi, Paola Ortelli, Daniele Volpe, Leila Bakdounes, Davide Castelli, Alessio Di Fonzo, Giulia Franco, Emanuele Frattini, Laura Avanzino, Elisa Pelosin, Carla Ogliastro, Roberto Ceravolo, Giovanni Palermo, Luca Tommasini, Daniela Frosini, Lucilla Parnetti, Nicola Tambasco, Pasquale Nigro, Simone Simoni and Peter Schmidtadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2999; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcm13102999 - 20 May 2024
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Background: This is a retrospective longitudinal study comparing 374 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who were treated in centers offering a specialized program of enhanced rehabilitation therapy in addition to expert outpatient care to 387 patients with PD, who only received expert [...] Read more.
Background: This is a retrospective longitudinal study comparing 374 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who were treated in centers offering a specialized program of enhanced rehabilitation therapy in addition to expert outpatient care to 387 patients with PD, who only received expert outpatient care at movement disorders centers in Italy. Methods: The data are from subjects recruited in the Parkinson’s Outcome Project (POP) at six Italian centers that are part of a multicenter collaboration for care quality improvement (the Fresco Network). The effects were measured with a baseline and a follow-up clinical evaluation of the Timed-Up-and-Go test (TUG), Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), and Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI), the number of falls and hospitalizations for any cause. We used a generalized linear mixed model with the dependent variables being the response variable, which included the covariates demographics, evaluation, and treatment variables. Results: We found that the subjects who underwent specialized enhanced rehabilitation had a better motor outcome over time than those who were managed by expert neurologists but had participated in community programs for exercise and other allied health interventions. The greatest effects were seen in patients in the early stages of the disease with a high amount of vigorous exercise per week in the last six months. Similar effects were seen for PDQ39, MCSI, the number of falls, and hospitalization. Conclusions: Long-term benefits to motor function and the quality of life in patients with PD and burden reduction in their caregivers can be achieved through a systematic program of specialized enhanced rehabilitation interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Practice and Future Perspectives of Neurological Conditions Caused by Neurodegeneration)
12 pages, 1084 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Home Automation on Personal and Social Autonomies in Spinal Cord Injury Patients: A Pilot Study
by Giuseppa Maresca, Desirèe Latella, Caterina Formica, Isabella Veneziani, Augusto Ielo, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò and Maria Cristina De Cola
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(5), 1275; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcm13051275 - 23 Feb 2024
Viewed by 648
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe and progressive neurological condition caused by trauma to the nervous system, resulting in lifelong disability and severe comorbidities. This condition imposes serious limitations on everyday life, interfering with patients’ social lives and compromising their quality [...] Read more.
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe and progressive neurological condition caused by trauma to the nervous system, resulting in lifelong disability and severe comorbidities. This condition imposes serious limitations on everyday life, interfering with patients’ social lives and compromising their quality of life, psychological well-being, and daily living activities. Rehabilitation is essential to helping SCI patients gain more independence in their daily routines. Home automation (HA) systems provide personalized support to users, allowing them to manage various aspects of their living environment, promoting independence and well-being. This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of an HA system in enhancing personal and social autonomies in SCI patients, resulting in improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety–depressive symptoms compared to traditional training. Methods: We enrolled 50 SCI patients undergoing neurorehabilitation at IRCCS Centro Neurolesi (Messina, Italy). These patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). The CG received traditional training, while the EG underwent HA training. We evaluated the patients before (T0) and after (T1) rehabilitation using various scales, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRS-A), the 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), and the EQ-5D-5L. Results: The effect of the experimental treatment showed an improvement in all patients test scores in the EG, especially regarding cognitive functions, mood disorders, activities of daily living, and quality of life. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HA may be effective in improving daily autonomy and, in turn, alleviating mood disorders and enhancing psychological well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Practice and Future Perspectives of Neurological Conditions Caused by Neurodegeneration)
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19 pages, 1108 KiB  
Article
Unlocking the Protective Potential of Upper Respiratory Infection Treatment Histories against Alzheimer’s Disease: A Korean Adult Population Study
by Ho Suk Kang, Ji Hee Kim, Joo-Hee Kim, Woo Jin Bang, Hyo Geun Choi, Nan Young Kim, Ha Young Park and Mi Jung Kwon
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(1), 260; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcm13010260 - 2 Jan 2024
Viewed by 945
Abstract
With increasing interest in the inflammation-pathogen infection hypothesis and its potential links to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development, there is growing consideration of using upper respiratory infection (URI) treatments as interventions for AD. This nested case–control study explored the potential association between prior URI [...] Read more.
With increasing interest in the inflammation-pathogen infection hypothesis and its potential links to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development, there is growing consideration of using upper respiratory infection (URI) treatments as interventions for AD. This nested case–control study explored the potential association between prior URI histories and AD development in a Korean adult population using the national health screening cohort data (2002–2019). The study included 26,920 AD patients and 107,680 matched control individuals, focusing on those seeking respiratory treatment. Logistic regression analyses assessed the impact of URI histories and treatment on AD risk while adjusting for covariates. Our results revealed that over a 1-year period, individuals with URI histories (≥1, ≥2, or ≥3 instances) exhibited decreasing probabilities of developing AD, with risk reductions of 19%, 15%, and 12%, respectively. Expanding our investigation to a 2-year period consistently showed a 17% reduction in AD risk. This effect remained robust across diverse demographic groups and after adjusting for covariates, encompassing comorbidities, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, blood glucose levels, and lifestyle factors. Subgroup analyses further substantiated this association. In conclusion, our findings cautiously suggest a potential protective role of prior URI treatment histories in mitigating the risk of AD development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Practice and Future Perspectives of Neurological Conditions Caused by Neurodegeneration)
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Review

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23 pages, 1614 KiB  
Review
Trace Elements in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: The Current State of Knowledge
by Magdalena Tyczyńska, Marta Gędek, Adam Brachet, Wojciech Stręk, Jolanta Flieger, Grzegorz Teresiński and Jacek Baj
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(8), 2381; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcm13082381 - 19 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1043
Abstract
Changes in trace element concentrations are being wildly considered when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This study aims to present the role that trace elements play in the central nervous system. Moreover, we reviewed the mechanisms [...] Read more.
Changes in trace element concentrations are being wildly considered when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This study aims to present the role that trace elements play in the central nervous system. Moreover, we reviewed the mechanisms involved in their neurotoxicity. Low zinc concentrations, as well as high levels of copper, manganese, and iron, activate the signalling pathways of the inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress response. Neurodegeneration occurs due to the association between metals and proteins, which is then followed by aggregate formation, mitochondrial disorder, and, ultimately, cell death. In Alzheimer’s disease, low Zn levels suppress the neurotoxicity induced by β-amyloid through the selective precipitation of aggregation intermediates. High concentrations of copper, iron and manganese cause the aggregation of intracellular α-synuclein, which results in synaptic dysfunction and axonal transport disruption. Parkinson’s disease is caused by the accumulation of Fe in the midbrain dopaminergic nucleus, and the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis derives from Zn deficiency, leading to an imbalance between T cell functions. Aluminium disturbs the homeostasis of other metals through a rise in the production of oxygen reactive forms, which then leads to cellular death. Selenium, in association with iron, plays a distinct role in the process of ferroptosis. Outlining the influence that metals have on oxidoreduction processes is crucial to recognising the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and may provide possible new methods for both their avoidance and therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Practice and Future Perspectives of Neurological Conditions Caused by Neurodegeneration)
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Other

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11 pages, 487 KiB  
Systematic Review
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Cognitive Functions in Parkinson’s Patients: A Systematic Review
by Giulia Marafioti, Francesco Corallo, Davide Cardile, Giuseppe Di Lorenzo, Angelo Quartarone and Viviana Lo Buono
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(23), 7397; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcm12237397 - 29 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1324
Abstract
Sleep disorders, such as REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and excessive daytime sleepiness, are among the most common non-motor symptoms in subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Sleep disorders have a major negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. [...] Read more.
Sleep disorders, such as REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and excessive daytime sleepiness, are among the most common non-motor symptoms in subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Sleep disorders have a major negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. In addition, REM sleep behavior disorder is an important risk factor for cognitive impairment in PD. This systematic review was conducted on studies investigating the influence of RBD on cognitive performance in PD subjects. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases, screened the references of the studies included, and reviewed articles for additional citations. From the first 244 publications, we included only 11 studies that met the search criteria. The results showed that sleep disorders in PD were associated with impaired executive functions, visual-constructive abilities, reduced attention, and episodic verbal memory, and could predict the possible risk of developing dementia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Practice and Future Perspectives of Neurological Conditions Caused by Neurodegeneration)
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