The Handoff: Your Week in Neurology News – 9/15/16

The Handoff is a weekly roundup of neurology news covering various developments in subspecialties, the pharmaceutical industry, and the overall state of health care as it affects neurologists. Keep your finger on the pulse of neurology with The Handoff.

– The 32nd ECTRIMS Congress kicked off this week in London, where thousands of attendees are taking note of the latest developments in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Be sure to follow Neurology Advisor for the latest ECTRIMS news.

– Stroke specialists are standing tall in support of new legislation that recognizes 3 tiers of stroke facilities; however some worry the new push is crumbling under poor infrastructure.

– Roche’s Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is giving top MS drugs a run for their money as new data works to solidify the not-yet-approved biologic’s strong efficacy in the treatment of relapsing and primary-progressive MS.

– Just 1 day after the NFL announced a $100 million initiative to advance concussion research and development, House Republicans are calling for a review of NIH protocols after an investigation by House Democrats suggested that the NFL improperly influenced grant processes that withheld key funding from Boston University researchers examining CTE in former NFL athletes.

– The fate of Sarepta’s Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug may take a turn towards approval after the FDA announced that Ronald Farkas, MD, PhD, leader of the neurology clinical team and a key opposer of the drug, has left the agency.

– A Danish museum has curated a “House of Memories” designed specifically to re-immerse patrons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in memories of the past.

– Did you know the Paralympic Games were founded by a German neurologist? After escaping Nazi Germany, Professor Sir Ludwig “Poppa” Guttman regularly incorporated sports into his rehabilitation program at his spine injury clinic, eventually attracting “competitors” from around the world. The first Stoke Mandeville Games were held in 1948, and were deemed the Paralympics in 1984.

– The CDC has created a clear and concise infographic to help teach patients how to properly protect themselves against mosquito bites that may carry Zika virus. 

– The Atlantic featured a poignant editorial on the state of palliative care and what we know — and don’t know — about death from the dying. 

– The Alzheimer Society of Ontario has created a video that can help teach loved ones how to best communicate with patients who have Alzheimer’s dementia. Watch the video below and consider sharing it with caregivers in your practice.