In the last decades, an important role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (AD) diagnosis has emerged. The evaluation of the triad consisting of 42 aminoacid-long amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ42), total Tau (tTau) and Tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (pTau) have been recently integrated into the research diagnostic criteria of AD. For a long time, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has represented the most commonly used method for the measurement of CSF biomarkers levels. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CSF biomarkers, namely Aβ42, tTau and pTau and their ratio, measured by fully automated CLEIA assay (Lumipulse). We included 96 patients clinically diagnosed as AD (48) and non-AD (48). All CSF biomarkers levels were measured on Lumipulse G1200 fully automated platform (Fujirebio Inc. Europe, Gent, Belgium). Aβ42 levels, 42/40 ratio, 42/tTau ratio, 42/PTau ratio were significantly reduced, and tTau and PTau levels were significantly increased in AD patients in comparison with non-AD patients. The receiving operator curve (ROC) analysis showed good diagnostic accuracy of all CSF biomarkers and their ratios for discriminating AD patients from non-AD patients, with 42/40 ratio having the best AUC (0.724, 95%CI 0.619–0.828; p < 0.001). Our findings support the use of CSF biomarkers measured by CLEIA method on a fully automated platform for AD diagnosis.

Background and Objectives To investigate the prevalence of burnout profiles and their contributing factors in European neurology residents, junior neurologists, and research fellows. Methods The members of the Resident and Research Fellow Section (RRFS) of the European Academy of Neurology were surveyed using standardized instruments for burnout, job satisfaction, social support, depression, work-related fatigue, work-life integration, and impact of life events, from September 1, 2020, to January 6, 2021. Results The response rate was 23.1% (332 responders of 1,439 contacted RRFS members); the median age of participants 30 years, with 61.5% being female. Our analysis revealed that 73.9% of the responders showed a perturbation in the Maslach Burnout Inventory dimensions, thus fulfilling the criteria for a dysfunctional phenotype within the burnout spectrum: burnout (22.6%), overextended (26.1%), ineffective (21.0%), and disengaged (4.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that elevated number of night shifts per month, work-related fatigue, and low professional satisfaction are independent risk factors for burnout. Being a certified neurologist, working in an academic environment, and a higher job satisfaction are associated with the engaged profile, a productive state characterized by high energy, strong involvement, and a sense of efficacy. Discussion Burnout experience is highly prevalent among neurology residents, junior neurologists, and research fellows in Europe. The profile-based approach in this survey captures the multifaceted nature of burnout experience, therefore highlighting mitigating strategies that can be tailored to the distinct dysfunctional burnout profile.

Background and purpose: The COVID‐19 (SARS‐CoV‐2) outbreak has disrupted residency programmes due to university and hospitals’ priorities to face this emergency at all cost. Most research projects and clinical trials were temporarily stopped or postponed. The Resident and Research Fellow Section (RRFS) of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) has decided to assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on neurology training.Methods: All EAN RRFS members were invited to fill out an online questionnaire of 40 items concerning their clinical involvement during the COVID‐19 emergency, and the impact of the pandemic on their training (Appendix S1).Results: Of the 227 RRFS members who completed the questionnaire, 222 were from Europe, and of those 111 were from Portugal, Italy or France. Responders highlighted that severe restrictions have been imposed to face this pandemic, including reduction of inpatient beds, prohibition of in‐person visits and limitation to hospital access for patients’ relatives. This was accompanied by an increase in email correspondence and phone calls with 50% of countries allowing telemedicine to reach outpatients. Seventy‐nine per cent of the respondents felt that the pandemic will probably have a serious impact on their training and career.Conclusion: The pandemic led to a disruption of neurology activities, including medical training and research. The long‐run impact of these changes remains unknown, but it will probably change the way neurology practice and training will be organized for future generations.

In this narrative review, we delve into the evolving concept of brain health, as recognized by the WHO, focusing on its intersection with cognitive decline. We emphasize the imperative need for preventive strategies, particularly in older adults. We describe the target population that might benefit the most from risk-based approaches—namely, people with subjective cognitive decline. Additionally, we consider universal prevention in cognitively unimpaired middle-aged and older adults. Delving into multidomain personalized preventive strategies, we report on empirical evidence surrounding modifiable risk factors and interventions crucial in mitigating cognitive decline. Next, we highlight the emergence of brain health services (BHS). We explain their proposed role in risk assessment, risk communication, and tailored interventions to reduce the risk of dementia. Commenting on ongoing BHS pilot experiences, we present the inception and framework of our own BHS in Monza, Italy, outlining its operational structure and care pathways. We emphasize the need for global collaboration and intensified research efforts to address the intricate determinants of brain health and their potential impact on healthcare systems worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on neurology training programs, leading to disruptions and changes that may have long-term implications for neurological education. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on neurological training programs, collecting available data relating to residents’ experience worldwide. We performed a systematic search of the literature published on PubMed from January 2020 to March 2023, including studies referring to quantitative analysis of residents’/trainees’ perspectives. Specifically, we included studies that examined how the pandemic has affected clinical and research activities, the use of telemedicine, the delivery of education and the psychological status of residents. Of the 95460 studies identified through database searching, 12 studies met the full criteria and underwent data extraction. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on neurology training programs, highlighting the need for resilience and flexibility in medical education. Future research should focus on the long-term outcomes of these adaptations in the quality of neurology education and patient care.