The Handoff: Weekly Neurology News Roundup

The Handoff is a weekly roundup of neurology news covering various developments in subspecialties, as well as pharmaceutical and association and society news. Keep your finger on the pulse of neurology with The Handoff.

– Two experimental vaccines have shown to fully protect mice and other mammals from the Zika virus, according to a letter published in Nature. The findings will likely lead to small safety trials in humans by the end of the year. 

– Approximately 84% of general practitioners in England said they would benefit from more training on how to identify people with neurological disorders, while 47% said they don’t feel comfortable assessing and referring patients with symptoms of MS. 

– The Hillary Clinton health rumors continue to spin out of control, as opponents make broad claims that she suffers from a range of neurological disorders including seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and aphasia. 

– UCB Pharma’s shares are on the rebound after it was reported that a Delaware District Court confirmed the validity of its patent for its antiepileptic drug Vimpat. The patent for the drug is set to expire in 2022.

– A University of Texas professor makes an argument for focusing on prevention after years of research on Alzheimer’s disease have been basically fruitless in terms of actual drug treatments. 

– Invitae has expanded its offering of genetic testing panels to include hereditary Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, and neuromuscular disorders. 

– Researchers have proposed a new model of fatigue in multiple sclerosis in order to combat ambiguity in research. 

– The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services has received a 3-year, $1.2 million grant to improve access to epilepsy care in rural and underserved areas. 

– With back-to-school right around the corner, sleep specialist Whitney Roban, PhD, provides sleep tips to help ease children into an appropriate and healthy sleep schedule. 

– A father-son duo are helping to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society by singing their way to internet fame. Singing helps bring his father — who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s — “back in the room,” son Mac McDermott said. Watch one of the duo’s heartwarming song sessions below.