This issue begins with the second parts of articles on imaging techniques in neurological disease begun in the last issue: one describing conventional and experimental applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and another discussing the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This issue also covers pregnancy in women with multiple scleorsis (MS) and current data on the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
MRI: Conventional and Experimental Applications Part 2 of this article discusses the use of MRI in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The utility of conventional MRI in PD is limited to differentiating the condition from other movement disorders; MRI is not sensitive enough to play a more extensive role in diagnosis or evaluation. Functional imaging techniques have been studied for use in assessing PD, although only one application—18[F]-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG/PET)—is currently available.
Pregnancy and the Immune System in MS MS is more prevalent in women of childbearing age than in any other populations. Pregnancy can have a profound effect on MS, including a reduction of relapses during pregnancy and an increase in relapse rate immediately after delivery. The treatment of women with MS during pregnancy and the postpartum period may require alterations in therapy, based on an assessment of risk/benefit ratio.
NSAIDs in Alzheimer's Disease: The Controvery Continues Data regarding NSAIDs use in Alzheimer’s disease have been conflicting: some studies have shown evidence of a preventive effect, whereas others have found no such evidence. This article provides possible explanations for the discrepancy between the findings of these studies.
