Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating autoimmune disease. MS patients deal with motor and sensory impairments, visual disabilities, cognitive disorders, and speech and language deficits. The study aimed to record, enhance, update, and delve into our present comprehension of speech deficits observed in patients with MS and the methodology (assessment tools) studies followed. The method used was a search of the literature through the databases for May 2015 until June 2022. The reviewed studies offer insight into speech impairments most exhibited by MS patients. Patients with MS face numerous communication changes concerning the phonation system (changes observed concerning speech rate, long pause duration) and lower volume. Moreover, the articulation system was affected by the lack of muscle synchronization and inaccurate pronunciations, mainly of vowels. Finally, there are changes regarding prosody (MS patients exhibited monotonous speech). Findings indicated that MS patients experience communication changes across various domains. Based on the reviewed studies, we concluded that the speech system of MS patients is impaired to some extent, and the patients face many changes that impact their conversational ability and the production of slower and inaccurate speech. These changes can affect MS patients’ quality of life.

In this narrative review, we delved into the intricate interplay between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles (typically associated with Alzheimer’s disease—AD) and alpha-synucleinopathies (aS-pathies), involving Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple-system atrophy (MSA). First, in-vitro, animal, and human-based data on the exacerbating effect of APOE4 on LB pathology were summarized. We found robust evidence that APOE4 carriage constitutes a risk factor for PDD—APOE2, and APOE3 may not alter the risk of developing PDD. We confirmed that APOE4 copies confer an increased hazard towards DLB, as well. Again APOE2 and APOE3 appear unrelated to the risk of conversion. Of note, in individuals with DLB APOE4, carriage appears to be intermediately prevalent between AD and PDD-PD (AD > DLB > PDD > PD). Less consistency existed when it came to PD; APOE-PD associations tended to be markedly modified by ethnicity. Finally, we failed to establish an association between the APOE gene and MSA. Phenotypic associations (age of disease onset, survival, cognitive–neuropsychiatric- motor-, and sleep-related manifestations) between APOE alleles, and each of the aforementioned conditions were also outlined. Finally, a synopsis of literature gaps was provided followed by suggestions for future research.

Background and Objectives: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a pain-alleviating and muscle-relaxing treatment used in physio-therapeutic clinical practice, has recently appeared to be just as effective in dysphonia. This review aimed at clarifying whether TENS can be an effective practice in dysphonia therapy and/or management on its own or combined with other types of interventions and, hence, whether its practice can be a useful, more widespread establishment to speech and language therapy intervention methods. Materials and Methods: A search was conducted on the PubMed database using specific terms based on the PICO search strategy. Eventually, four randomized controlled studies and four clinical trials were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the physiotherapy evidence-based database (PEDro) assessment tool, and this indicated high-quality research with an average score of 8.43. Results: The studies utilized various TENS devices, predominantly the Dualpex 961 device (frequency of 10 Hz, phase of 200 ms). The assessment methods varied, including auditory perception, vocal therapy, electrostimulation, audio and video perceptual assessments, and laryngeal evaluations. The clinical outcomes of TENS showed a reduction in musculoskeletal pain in various areas, while the acoustic analysis results were significant in only one study. TENS was compared to manual laryngeal therapy (LMT), placebo TENS, and vocal therapy in different studies with mixed results. Conclusions: This review supports the idea that a multidimensional approach, incorporating various therapeutic modalities (TENS, LMT, speech therapy, and vocal training) can yield positive outcomes for patients with voice disorders. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms of action and optimal treatment protocols for TENS in voice therapy.

Epilepsy remains one of the most prevalent neurological disorders affecting school-aged children, often accompanied by social stigma and misconceptions that can hinder their academic and social development. Background and Objectives: Given the critical role of teachers and school professionals in the daily lives of children with epilepsy, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of primary school teachers and professionals in Greece regarding epilepsy. The findings are intended to identify gaps and inform the development of targeted educational interventions that support managing epilepsy effectively. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 546 primary education teachers in Western Greece using a questionnaire adapted from a validated Italian study. This survey collected demographic information and assessed knowledge, attitudes, and school-related practices concerning epilepsy. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS, employing descriptive and inferential statistics to explore relationships between demographics and responses. Results: Although most participants were generally aware of epilepsy, considerable gaps persisted in knowledge about prevalence, causes, and proper seizure management. Notably, over half of the participants were unsure how to manage an epileptic episode, and misconceptions about the effects of antiepileptic drugs on learning and behavior were prevalent. Participants with special education experience displayed more accurate knowledge and greater confidence in handling epilepsy-related situations. Conclusions: This study underscores the need for enhanced epilepsy education among primary school teachers and school professionals in Greece to address knowledge gaps, reduce stigma, and better support the educational and social needs of students with epilepsy. Coordinated efforts with educational authorities and health organizations are recommended to implement specialized teacher training programs.

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Individuals with multiple sclerosis may require daily care and support from caregivers due to the disease’s progressive and unpredictable nature. However, the role of caregiving is not without its challenges, and caregivers themselves often face significant repercussions in terms of their quality of life, mental health, and stress levels. Our study aims to investigate the level of stress caregivers experience in their everyday life and the way stress affects their quality of life. Materials and Methods: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study from 11 November 2023 to 20 March 2024 in healthcare units in Western Greece. All 96 participants were adult caregivers of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). We assessed caregivers’ quality of life and stress levels using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale, respectively. Non-parametric tests (Spearman’s rho test, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests) were used to identify possible correlations between the aforementioned scales and between stress levels and caregiver characteristics. Results: Caregivers reported high stress, with an average KCSS score of 36.82 ± 0.851. The mean SF-36 physical component summary score (PCS) was 59.59 ± 2.77, whereas the mental component summary score (MCS) was 45.69 ± 2.32. Stress levels in the KCSS were negatively correlated with both PCS and MCS of SF-36 and female gender, education level, monthly income, limits of mobility, and patient’s level of dependence were associated with higher levels of stress. Conclusions: Stress was found to be negatively connected with caregivers’ quality of life, affecting both physical and mental health. Female caregivers, caregivers with a primary education level and a low monthly income, and caregivers of patients with serious illnesses who rely primarily on daily help were the most affected.