The Prevalence and Clinical Features of Epilepsy in Dementia and MCI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Prevalence and Clinical Features of Epilepsy in Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment
IRAS ID
199018
Contact name
Adam Zeman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Alzheimer’s disease affects 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80 in the UK. It causes progressive memory impairments and no curative treatments exist.
Epilepsy occurs in approximately 1 in 100 people in the general population. Epileptic seizures can take a variety forms. Temporal lobe epilepsy, which is the commonest form of adult-onset focal epilepsy presents in a number of ways, including hallucinations of taste and smell, as well as temporary memory problems, and involuntary movements.
An expanding body of evidence shows that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with an increased risk of epileptic seizures. These seizures, which may not lead to a loss of consciousness and can cause temporary cognitive impairments, are likely under-reported and often missed in the community by both patients and their carers. They may be mistaken for memory problems caused by the dementia itself.
This study will evaluate how common epileptic seizures are in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment attending memory clinics throughout Devon. Once patients have been identified through this clinic they will be invited to attend a further interview with the research team where they will be asked questions to identify if they have had any episodes which suggest epilepsy. They will be asked further questions about the memory problems that they have experienced. We will speak to a reliable relative, friend or carer who knows them well. A second interview, 12 months later, will be organised to identify any changes over this period and to establish whether the memory problems seen in patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment are any different when epilepsy is also present
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1313
Date of REC Opinion
25 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion