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Cognition in school-aged children with "active" epilepsy: A population-based study

Colin Reilly1, Patricia Atkinson, Krishna B Das

  • 1a Research Department , Young Epilepsy , Lingfield , UK.

Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
|April 30, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Children with active epilepsy often experience cognitive impairments, particularly in working memory and processing speed. Factors like polytherapy and ADHD predict these difficulties, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Child Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Population-based data on cognitive profiles in childhood epilepsy is scarce.
  • This study addresses the need for understanding cognitive impairments in children with active epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of global cognitive impairments and specific deficits in working memory and processing speed in children with active epilepsy.
  • To identify factors associated with cognitive difficulties in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based sample of 85 school-aged children (5-15 years) with active epilepsy underwent comprehensive psychological assessments.
  • Cognitive subtest scores were compared using paired-samples t tests, and associated factors were analyzed via linear regression.

Main Results:

  • 40% of children had IQ scores below 70, with significant weaknesses in processing speed (Coding subtest).
  • 58% showed "memory underachievement" on working memory tasks.
  • Polytherapy and ADHD were associated with globally impaired cognition; polytherapy also linked to lower working memory and processing speed scores. Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) was associated with lower processing speed.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood epilepsy is associated with high rates of global and specific cognitive difficulties, especially in working memory and processing speed.
  • Epilepsy-related and behavioral factors predict cognitive impairment, varying by cognitive domain.
Abstract

Keywords:
CognitionEpilepsyMemoryProcessing speed

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