Volume 10 Issue 10, October 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) shows complex inheritance. A new meta-analysis of three data sets has replicated previous estimates of the heritability attributable to common genetic variation, corroborated some previously identified disease-associated genetic loci, and suggested novel loci. Despite such efforts, our understanding of the genetic architecture of ALS remains limited.

Though effective for parkinsonian motor symptoms, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus has variable effects on speech. A new study focusing on patients' perceptions reported that DBS recipients complain of greater speech disturbance than do non-DBS recipients. Patients should be made more aware of this possible adverse effect of DBS.

Preventive strategies for Alzheimer disease (AD) will depend on the identification of modifiable risk factors for this disorder. A new study has quantified the relative contributions of seven major risk factors for AD, and concludes that around one-third of AD cases are likely to be preventable.

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is caused by asymmetric, selective neurodegeneration of cerebral areas involved in language. Agrammatic and semantic PPAs are typically manifestations of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, whereas the logopenic PPA is more often associated with Alzheimer disease pathology. Here, Mesulam et al. review the subclassification, clinical features and neuropathology of PPA, and discuss how increased knowledge of PPA has advanced our understanding of the neural substrates of the language network.

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH)—an 'old' collection of blood and blood breakdown products in the subdural space—is one of the most common neurological disorders, especially among elderly individuals. The current consensus is that symptomatic CSDH is best treated by surgical evacuation, usually via burr hole craniostomy. This Review provides an overview of the contemporary management of CSDH, and considers future approaches that could optimize patient care and outcomes.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with wide-ranging clinical manifestations that can involve the CNS and PNS. In this article, Jeltsch-David and Muller review the clinical features and pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), focusing on the aspects that might aid identification of biomarkers. They also discuss the classification and treatment of NPSLE, and identify avenues for future research.

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a promising approach for facilitating recovery of motor function after stroke, but trials assessing its efficacy have provided contradictory results. Di Pino and colleagues propose a unified 'bimodal balance–recovery model' for stroke recovery that takes into account the individual residual structural reserve and could aid tailoring of treatment for individual patients, thereby increasing the efficacy of NIBS in stroke rehabilitation.