Proteins Predict Dementia; Brain Function in Long COVID; Pregabalin Plus Opioids

Plasma analysis in middle-age adults identified protein markers of dementia risk in later life. (Science Translational Medicine)

A muscle-building supplement known as beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) improved spatial learning and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. (Cell Reports)

In both mice and humans, sleep disturbance in cardiac disease was driven by a loss of neurons that normally project from the superior cervical ganglia into the pineal gland, which secretes melatonin. (Science)

Cognitive deficits were detectable nearly 2 years after SARS-CoV-2 infection in some people with long COVID symptoms. (eClinicalMedicine)

Low amounts of SARS-CoV-2 virus persisted in the tongues of people with long COVID taste disturbance. (NEJM Evidence)

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment who received both aerobic-resistance exercises and computerized cognitive training had improved cognition, but some results were inconsistent. (JAMA Network Open)

Autism spectrum disorder was diagnosed in 3.5% to 5.3% of children in Puerto Rico with evidence of prenatal Zika virus exposure. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

People prescribed the anti-convulsant medication pregabalin (Lyrica) plus opioids had a 42% greater risk of developing opioid use disorder or opioid overdose than those prescribed only opioids, Epic Research data showed.

Abnormal glutamatergic and serotonergic connectivity was seen in visual snow syndrome and migraine with aura. (Annals of Neurology)

Nearly 1.4 million emergency department visits were made annually by people with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, data from the 2016-2019 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey showed. (JAMA Neurology)