Late-onset epilepsy as a prodromal symptom.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Geriatrics

Background:

• 15-30% of late-onset epilepsy (LOE) cases have unknown causes.
• Unexplained seizures might indicate early stages of stroke or Alzheimer's disease (AD).
• Shared cardiovascular risk factors may link LOE, stroke, and AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the link between unexplained LOE and underlying neurological disorders.
• To assess the role of LOE as a potential prodromal sign for stroke and AD.
• To evaluate current management strategies and identify needs for early intervention.

Main Methods:

• Review of current evidence linking seizures to cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration.
• Analysis of the hypothesis of shared risk factors.
• Discussion of recommended diagnostic and management approaches for LOE.

Main Results:

• Seizures may precede clinical manifestation of stroke or AD.
• Evidence suggests seizures reflect early pathological changes like amyloid-β and tau deposition.
• Current recommendations include cardiovascular evaluation and cognitive assessment for unexplained LOE.

Conclusions:

• Unexplained LOE warrants investigation for underlying stroke or AD.
• Comprehensive cardiovascular management and cognitive assessment are essential.
• Prodromal seizures offer a window for early interventions to slow neurodegeneration.