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Epileptic seizures in AD patients
1Cognitive Function Clinic, Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool, UK. a.larner@thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk
Neuromolecular Medicine
|June 27, 2009
Summary
Epileptic seizures are increasingly recognized as an integral part of Alzheimer's disease (AD), not just a symptom. Research suggests seizures may share underlying causes with cognitive decline, indicating a potential therapeutic target beyond symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Epileptic seizures are a known complication of Alzheimer's disease (AD), often considered secondary to neurodegeneration.
- Recent research, including animal models, suggests seizures in AD may stem from overlapping pathophysiological processes driving cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence, seizure types, pathophysiology, and treatment of epilepsy in Alzheimer's disease.
- To explore the potential of targeting shared pathophysiological pathways for therapeutic benefit in AD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on seizure prevalence, types, and associated factors in AD.
- Analysis of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms linking seizures and cognitive decline in AD.
- Discussion of potential therapeutic roles for anti-epileptic drugs.
Main Results:
- Seizure prevalence increases with AD duration; early-onset AD carries a higher risk, partly due to presenilin-1 mutations.
- Seizures in AD are predominantly partial, including complex partial and secondarily generalized types.
- Pathophysiology may involve amyloid-beta, neuronal structural changes, cerebrovascular issues, or neurotransmitter dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Epileptic seizures are an integral component of the Alzheimer's disease phenotype.
- Targeting shared pathophysiological pathways offers a novel therapeutic avenue for AD.
- Further investigation into the role of anti-epileptic drugs like sodium valproate and lacosamide is warranted.
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