Neurology

A new systematic review indicates that microplastics could trigger brain inflammation and damage through several biological pathways, potentially worsening neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney and Auburn University identified five mechanisms linking these tiny plastic particles to brain health risks. Adults ingest about 250 grams of microplastics annually from various everyday sources.

11. marts 2026 Rapporteret af AI

People with Parkinson's disease experience reduced enjoyment from pleasant smells like lemon, according to a new study. This difference in smell perception could help diagnose the condition earlier and more simply. Researchers found that brain processing of scents varies in those affected, distinguishing them from others with smell loss.

European scientists have developed a preliminary method to identify Alzheimer's using a drop of dried blood from a finger, achieving 86% accuracy in detecting amyloid pathology. The study, validated in 337 patients from several countries, is published in Nature Medicine and aims to simplify early diagnosis of this disease affecting over 50 million people worldwide.

4. januar 2026 Rapporteret af AI Faktatjekket

Older adults with weaker or more irregular daily rest-activity rhythms were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia over about three years, according to a study published in *Neurology*. The research also linked later-afternoon activity peaks to higher dementia risk, though it did not establish that disrupted circadian rhythms cause dementia.

Preliminary research published in Neurology suggests that GLP-1 medications, including drugs such as Ozempic, may be associated with a modestly lower risk of developing epilepsy in people with type 2 diabetes compared with DPP-4 inhibitors. In the analysis, GLP-1 users were 16 percent less likely to develop epilepsy after statistical adjustment, but researchers stress that the findings show an association, not proof of cause and effect.

12. december 2025 Rapporteret af AI Faktatjekket

A randomized controlled trial at Massachusetts General Hospital tested high-dose nicotinamide riboside, a vitamin B3 derivative, to boost NAD+ levels in people with long COVID. Although between-group differences were limited, participants who took the supplement for at least 10 weeks reported improvements in fatigue, sleep, mood, and some executive function measures compared with their own baseline, suggesting potential benefits for some individuals despite mixed overall results.