Department of Neurology Archive — Page 8 of 15

Illustration of a neuron with a branching cell body, central nucleus, elongated myelinated axon, and terminal ending against a blurred green background.
August 17, 2020

Cashew shell compound appears to mend damaged nerves

In laboratory experiments, a chemical compound found in the shell of the cashew nut promotes the repair of myelin, a team from Vanderbilt University Medical Center reported Aug. 17 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

By Paul Govern
Stylized side-profile illustration of a human head showing a glowing, interconnected brain and nervous system in blue, purple, and pink.
August 6, 2020

Grant supports research on abnormal brain aging

With the aid of an $18.2 million, five-year grant renewal from the National Institute on Aging, the Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project (VMAP) will advance interdisciplinary research into abnormal brain aging and cognitive decline in older adults, with continuing emphasis on the role of blood flow changes in the heart and brain.

By Paul Govern
photo of David Charles and Mallory Hacker
June 30, 2020

Pilot study suggests Parkinson’s disease progression can be slowed

A pair of ultra-thin electrodes surgically implanted deep into the brain might slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, according to five-year outcomes from a 30-patient randomized clinical trial conducted by investigators at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

By Paul Govern
brain and lightning
June 22, 2020

Single mutation causes seizure disorder

A single mutation in one gene can impair inhibitory signaling in the brain and cause multiple types of seizures and behavioral abnormalities.

By Leigh MacMillan
Head-and-shoulders professional portrait of a man in a dark suit, white shirt, and striped tie against a neutral brown background.
May 27, 2020

Darby lands award for research on complex human behaviors

For outstanding contributions to research in behavioral neurology, Ryan Darby, MD, assistant professor of Neurology, has won the 2020 Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral Neurology from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).

By Paul Govern
Overlapping word cards feature “Alzheimers” prominently, surrounded by terms including “Delusion,” “Memory Loss,” “Dementia,” “Depression,” and “Irritability.”
May 7, 2020

New study examines Alzheimer’s disease images and molecular biomarkers

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves distinctive wasting away of certain brain regions, such that medical imaging of these regions can distinguish the disease from other subtypes of dementia.

By Paul Govern