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Arch Neurol. 1998;55:1169.

New Antiepileptic Drugs
Bourgeois (SEE ARTICLE) has reviewed current developments of new antiepileptic drugs, 5 of which have become available in the United States between 1993 and 1997. A user-friendly guide of their intended use, merits, and demerits are included.

The Spectrum of Neuritic Plaques
Haroutunian et al (SEE ARTICLE) describe the clinical spectrum associated with neuritic plaques. Hyman (SEE ARTICLE) critiques the article in an editorial. These contributions provide ideas and data about the role of neuritic plaques with their clinical correlations.

Platelet Amyloid and Alzheimer Disease
Di Luca and colleagues (SEE ARTICLE) describe platelet amyloid precursor protein (APP) isoforms in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and controls. The ratio of the major APP isoforms from patients with AD was significantly lower compared with both control and non-AD subjects. These authors have the makings of a diagnostic blood test for AD, which is reviewed by Bush and Tanzi (SEE ARTICLE) in an accompanying editorial. They point out that the platelet APP isoform ratio test holds the potential to be a clinical marker reflecting central abnormalities of APP and A amyloid metabolism.

Pallidotomy Works
Masterman and colleagues (SEE ARTICLE) studied 32 patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease after ventroposterior pallidotomy formotor disability and behavioral and cognitive functions. Motor scores and daily level of function improved, while cognition and behavior were not adversely affected. Ventroposterior pallidotomy is a recommended form of therapy for selected patients with pharmacologically intractable disease.

Improved Parkinsonian Therapy
Ropinirole, a nonergoline dopamine (D₂) receptor agonist, is an effective agent to treat Parkinson disease, as shown by Sethi and colleagues (SEE ARTICLE) . The truth is in the details, but 12-month follow-up data show real virtue.

Lacunar Infarcts by MRI
Longstreth and colleagues (SEE ARTICLE) define lacunes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conclude that they are common and associated with factors that likely promote or reflect small vessel disease. Their study is a comprehensive one involving 3660 participants older than 65 years. This study shows that MRI-defined lacunar infarcts are common and provide preliminary data of the importance of lacunes as indicators of subsequent risk for stroke.

Survival After Age 85 Years: Lucky 7
Aevarsson et al (SEE ARTICLE) investigated survival after age 85 years in relation to Alzheimer disease and vascular causes of dementia. The good news is that mild Alzheimer disease does not influence longevity, at least not during the first 7 years.

Ocular Blinking
Gómez-Wong et al (SEE ARTICLE) studied blepharospasm with evoked supraorbital nerve stimulation. Dystonic spasms may be gated from peripheral nerve inputs. Their work offers new insight into physiological mechanisms.

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