Stenting of carotid arteries, a less invasive treatment approach for many patients at high-risk for strokes, has been deemed as effective as surgical treatment. New research shows that both stents and carotid endartectomy provide options for selected patients. Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting were the focus of an article published here in JNN in February (Oran, 42:1, p. 3-11).
Progesterone, a sex hormone used in the first oral contraceptives, will be tested on patients with severe head injuries. The research trials are based on earlier work that shows progeserone supports normal neuronal development and may have a protective effect on injured brain tissue.
Psychologists at Penn State have developed, and are testing, a low-cost behavioral assessment that may detect Alzheimer's disease in its very early stage. The assessmrent looks at information processing capacity ability and the links to progressive cognitive impairment.