Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770020111
Yuki Arakawa, Naoki Kondo
{"title":"[Epidemiological Findings on Social Isolation and Loneliness].","authors":"Yuki Arakawa, Naoki Kondo","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770020111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11477/mf.188160960770020111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Several studies have indicated associations between social isolation and loneliness, mortality, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and other diseases. Preventing social isolation and loneliness is vital to achieving social well-being. Some good practices that prevent social isolation and loneliness, for instance providing local gatherings such as Kayoinoba, have been reported. Medical practitioners are required to connect people suffering from social isolation and loneliness to local support staff and cooperate with local governments, private companies, and non-profit organizations to tackle social isolation and loneliness.</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 2","pages":"111-117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143400677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770020167
Hajime Mushiake, Miki Mushiake
{"title":"[Isolation and Loneliness from a Brain Science Perspective].","authors":"Hajime Mushiake, Miki Mushiake","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770020167","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11477/mf.188160960770020167","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The social problems of isolation and loneliness were examined from the perspective of brain science, based on the dynamic adaptive principles of well-being and allostasis as a body-psyche-society model. It is known that the brain has multiple networks involved in sociality, and activity and connectivity are affected by isolation and loneliness, resulting in an allostatic load that affects both physical and psychological aspects. In addition, we examine theatrical methods and their significance as preventive measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 2","pages":"167-173"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143400686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770020099
Mitsunori Ishida
{"title":"[Loneliness and Isolation as Social Problems].","authors":"Mitsunori Ishida","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770020099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11477/mf.188160960770020099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since the 2020s, loneliness and isolation have attracted increasing attention as social issues. In this study, we first explain the social background through which loneliness and isolation have attracted attention. Next, we examined how information and communication devices which rapidly became popular in the 2000s affected loneliness and isolation. Finally, based on the results of the 2023 survey, the difficulties in resolving loneliness and isolation were discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 2","pages":"99-103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143400695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770020127
Yuki Shimoda, Katsuya Urakami
{"title":"[Prevention Methods for Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Dementia].","authors":"Yuki Shimoda, Katsuya Urakami","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770020127","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11477/mf.188160960770020127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Social isolation is reported to be a risk factor for dementia. In addition to loneliness, it is related to other dementia risk factors, such as hearing and visual loss, and depression. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic exacerbated social isolation and loneliness. Recent studies on social isolation and loneliness have reported their neuropathological and basic medical effects on brain function and gene expression. This overview describes the influences of social isolation and loneliness on dementia and its prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 2","pages":"127-132"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143400712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770020119
Toshiharu Ninomiya
{"title":"[Epidemiological Findings on the Influence of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Dementia Risk].","authors":"Toshiharu Ninomiya","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770020119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11477/mf.188160960770020119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As Japan is becoming a super-aged society, addressing the rising prevalence of dementia has become an urgent public health priority. Epidemiological studies, both domestic and international, have identified social isolation and loneliness as significant risk factors for dementia onset. Long-term reductions in cognitive stimulation due to social isolation and persistent subjective feelings of disconnection are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Therefore, providing social support to older adults and mitigating loneliness are essential measures to reduce the risk of dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 2","pages":"119-125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143400683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770010049
Yukio Takeshita
{"title":"[Response if the Three Mainstay Treatments for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy Are Ineffective or Insufficient].","authors":"Yukio Takeshita","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010049","DOIUrl":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The effectiveness of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) treatment is difficult to evaluate based on disease characteristics and treatment methods. The first basic concept of CIDP treatment is \"to prevent undertreatment due to inadequate treatment and not overlook patients who can be saved.\" The second concept is \"to prevent overtreatment by unnecessary treatment and discontinue excessive therapy for patients.\" The evaluation of CIDP treatment requires a treatment period of at least six months. For CIDP pathology and nerve regeneration mechanisms, the response should be divided into four evaluation criteria; marked improvement, no effect, and insufficient effect (slight improvement or no change).</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 1","pages":"49-55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142900278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Subcutaneous Injection of Efgartigimod, a New Therapeutic Agent for Generalized Myasthenia Gravis].","authors":"Akiyuki Uzawa, Koichi Tsuda, Jing Shao, Daisuke Harada","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010067","DOIUrl":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) suffer from significant physical and social burdens. Although immunotherapies have been widely used for the treatment of gMG, some patients do not achieve or maintain remission. Recently, several molecular-targeting therapies of gMG, including the intravenous infusion of efgartigimod alfa (efgartigimod IV), a neonatal Fc receptor inhibitor, have been developed and are clinically used in Japan. In 2024, combination subcutaneous injection of efgartigimod alfa and vorhyaluronidase alfa (efgartigimod SC) was approved for the treatment of patients with gMG (only when treatment with steroids or non-steroidal immunotherapies does not lead to sufficient response). Efgartigimod SC contains vorhyaluronidase alfa, which temporarily and locally facilitates diffusion of efgartigimod alfa, resulting in its absorption enhancement. An international phase III, ADAPT-SC study in patients with gMG, including Japanese demonstrates the non-inferiority of efgartigimod SC to efgartigimod IV in reduction of total IgG by 4 weeks treatment. An extension ADAPT-SC+ study demonstrates the long-term safety and tolerability as well as repeatable clinical benefit across multiple efgartigimod SC treatment cycles. As a self-injectable drug, efgartigimod SC may not only contribute to satisfy unmet medical needs in gMG therapy, but also improve convenience for patients and healthcare providers. (Received July 11, 2024; Accepted September 13, 2024; Published January 1, 2025).</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 1","pages":"67-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142900279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770010015
Takashi Kanda
{"title":"[History of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy: Establishment of Disease Concepts, Changes, and the Future of Treatment].","authors":"Takashi Kanda","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010015","DOIUrl":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of the first paper by Dr. P.J. Dyck that uses the disease name \"chronic inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy (CIP)\". By combining chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), which was previously termed using miscellaneous names, into a single disease concept, a major step forward was made in its diagnosis and treatment. In this paper, we first address the establishment of the disease concept, its acceptance in Japan, and the transition and current status of treatment methods. However, CIDP treatment has not yet been developed to provide satisfactory results for all patients. In the second half of this paper, we discuss therapeutic prospects of the near future based on possible pathological mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 1","pages":"15-27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142900118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770010035
Masanori Nakajima, Ken-Ichi Kaida
{"title":"[Diseases Separated from Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy: Anti-Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein Neuropathy and Autoimmune Nodopathy].","authors":"Masanori Nakajima, Ken-Ichi Kaida","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010035","DOIUrl":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (Anti-MAG) neuropathy and autoimmune nodopathies with antibodies targeting nodal or paranodal proteins have recently been reclassified as distinct conditions, separate from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). This distinction is based on the clinical homogeneity observed in antibody-positive cases, their unique response to treatment compared to CIDP, and evidence indicating the pathogenic role of these autoantibodies. The significance of identifying conditions outside the CIDP category lies in the elucidation of their distinct pathological mechanisms and providing appropriate immunotherapy accordingly. We hope that the various pathologies currently grouped under CIDP will be further clarified in the future, leading to the elimination of CIDP variants with different pathophysiologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 1","pages":"35-42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142900092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brain and NervePub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.11477/mf.188160960770010029
Satoshi Kuwabara
{"title":"[Updated Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy Based on the EAN/PNS Guideline 2021].","authors":"Satoshi Kuwabara","doi":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010029","DOIUrl":"10.11477/mf.188160960770010029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) includes a number of clinical subtypes. The major phenotype is \"typical CIDP,\" which is characterized by symmetric and \"proximal and distal\" muscle weakness. Due to historical changes in the concept of CIDP, multifocal motor neuropathy, anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) neuropathy, and autoimmune nodopathy were excluded. International guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of CIDP were first published in 2005 and revised in 2010. In 2021, the guidelines of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN)/Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) were the second revision, reflecting changes in the disease concept and progress of electrodiagnosis, neuroimaging, and novel treatments. This review introduces the outline of the guidelines in addition to typical CIDP; related chronic demyelinating neuropathies were classified as CIDP variants. The diagnosis of CIDP is based on (1)the phenotype of a typical CIDP or variant, (2)electrophysiological evidence of peripheral nerve demyelination, and (3)exclusion criteria. The first-line treatments for typical CIDP are corticosteroids and immunoglobulin therapy. These guidelines recommend intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulin as maintenance therapy, as well as unresolved questions on the evolving concept of CIDP and future treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":52507,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Nerve","volume":"77 1","pages":"29-34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142900352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}