Top scientists and clinicians from around the world are discussing the latest research in neuroscience, and the care of individuals with nerve and muscle diseases, at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in New Orleans, April 21-28.

Several experts presented their views of "best practices" for care of people with neuromuscular disorders at MDA's 2012 Clinical Conference, held in Las Vegas March 4-7.

Many questions remain about optimal care in these disorders, but it's clear that attention to heart and respiratory function are of paramount importance.

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New research suggests that a potential strategy for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) may be to increase levels of heat shock proteins inside muscle fibers.

Heat shock proteins exist naturally inside cells, where they assist in the folding and unfolding of other proteins. Their levels are increased when cells are exposed to various stresses, such as high temperatures.

The progress of several experimental therapies currently in development for neuromuscular diseases was discussed at MDA's 2012 Clinical Conference, held in Las Vegas March 4-7.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded $120,000 to Cambridge, Mass.-based Catabasis Pharmaceuticals as part of a strategic partnership under which the pharmaceuticals company will test two compounds called CAT-1004 and CAT-1040 in the mdx research mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Editor's note: This story was updated on April 27, 2012, and revised April 3, 2012.

More than 500 physicians, allied health care professionals and MDA staff attended the MDA's 2012 Clinical Conference in Las Vegas, March 4-7.

The program emphasized:

Update 5/21/12: A podcast on this topic is now available; see Podcast Explores Newborn Screening for DMD.