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Di Gennaro G, Lattanzi S, Mecarelli O, Saverio Mennini F, Vigevano F. Current challenges in focal epilepsy treatment: An Italian Delphi consensus. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 155:109796. [PMID: 38643659 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy, a globally prevalent neurological condition, presents distinct challenges in management, particularly for focal-onset types. This study aimed at addressing the current challenges and perspectives in focal epilepsy management, with focus on the Italian reality. METHODS Using the Delphi methodology, this research collected and analyzed the level of consensus of a panel of Italian epilepsy experts on key aspects of focal epilepsy care. Areas of focus included patient flow, treatment pathways, controlled versus uncontrolled epilepsy, follow-up protocols, and the relevance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This method allowed for a comprehensive assessment of consensus and divergences in clinical opinions and practices. RESULTS The study achieved consensus on 23 out of 26 statements, with three items failing to reach a consensus. There was strong agreement on the importance of timely intervention, individualized treatment plans, regular follow-ups at Epilepsy Centers, and the role of PROs in clinical practice. In cases of uncontrolled focal epilepsy, there was a clear inclination to pursue alternative treatment options following the failure of two previous therapies. Divergent views were evident on the inclusion of epilepsy surgery in treatment for uncontrolled epilepsy and the routine necessity of EEG evaluations in follow-ups. Other key findings included concerns about the lack of pediatric-specific research limiting current therapeutic options in this patient population, insufficient attention to the transition from pediatric to adult care, and need for improved communication. The results highlighted the complexities in managing epilepsy, with broad consensus on patient care aspects, yet notable divergences in specific treatment and management approaches. CONCLUSION The study offered valuable insights into the current state and complexities of managing focal-onset epilepsy. It highlighted many deficiencies in the therapeutic pathway of focal-onset epilepsy in the Italian reality, while it also underscored the importance of patient-centric care, the necessity of early and appropriate intervention, and individualized treatment approaches. The findings also called for continued research, policy development, and healthcare system improvements to enhance epilepsy management, highlighting the ongoing need for tailored healthcare solutions in this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Oriano Mecarelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome (Retired) and Past President of LICE, Italian League Against Epilepsy, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Mennini
- Faculty of Economics, Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA), CEIS, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Institute for Leadership and Management in Health, Kingston University London, London, UK.
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Head of Paediatric Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy.
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Scolastico S, Pugnaghi M, Meletti S. When the brain moves away: a case of sphenoidal sinus encephalocele. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1807-1808. [PMID: 38216849 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07319-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Scolastico
- Neurology Unit, OCB Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Di Modena, Via Giardini 1355, 41125, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Pugnaghi
- Neurology Unit, OCB Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Di Modena, Via Giardini 1355, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Meletti
- Neurology Unit, OCB Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Di Modena, Via Giardini 1355, 41125, Modena, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy.
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Brigo F, Lattanzi S. Diagnosing epileptic seizures in patients with Alzheimer's disease and deciding on the appropriate treatment plan. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:361-370. [PMID: 38426448 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2325038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the predominant cause of dementia and a significant contributor to morbidity among the elderly. Patients diagnosed with AD face an increased risk of epileptic seizures. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors review the challenges in the diagnosis of seizures in patients with AD, the risks of seizures related to medications used in AD and the pharmacological treatment of seizures in AD. The authors also provide the reader with their expert opinion on the subject matter and future perspectives. EXPERT OPINION Healthcare professionals should maintain a vigilant approach to suspecting seizures in AD patients. Acute symptomatic seizures triggered by metabolic disturbances, infections, toxins, or drug-related factors often have a low risk of recurrence. In such cases, addressing the underlying cause may suffice without initiating antiseizure medications (ASMs). However, unprovoked seizures in certain AD patients carry a higher risk of recurrence over time, warranting the use of ASMs. Although data is limited, both lamotrigine and levetiracetam appear to be reasonable choices for controlling seizures in elderly AD patients. Decisions should be informed by the best available evidence, the treating physician's clinical experience, and the patient's preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Brigo
- Innovation, Research and Teaching Service (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), Bolzano, Italy
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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O'Dwyer R, Stern S, Wade CT, Guggilam A, Rosenfeld WE. Safety and Efficacy of Cenobamate for the Treatment of Focal Seizures in Older Patients: Post Hoc Analysis of a Phase III, Multicenter, Open-Label Study. Drugs Aging 2024; 41:251-260. [PMID: 38446341 PMCID: PMC10925560 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-024-01102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cenobamate is an antiseizure medication (ASM) approved in the US and Europe for the treatment of uncontrolled focal seizures. OBJECTIVE This post hoc analysis of a phase III, open-label safety study assessed the safety and efficacy of adjunctive cenobamate in older adults versus the overall study population. METHODS Adults aged 18-70 years with uncontrolled focal seizures taking stable doses of one to three ASMs were enrolled in the phase III, open-label safety study; adults aged 65-70 years from that study were included in our safety analysis. Discontinuations due to adverse events and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed throughout the study in all patients who received one or more doses of cenobamate (safety study population). Efficacy was assessed post hoc in patients who had adequate seizure data available (post hoc efficacy population); we assessed patients aged 65-70 years from that population. Overall, 100% responder rates were assessed in the post hoc efficacy maintenance-phase population in 3-month intervals. Concomitant ASM drug load changes were also measured. For each ASM, drug load was defined as the ratio of actual drug dose/day to the World Health Organization defined daily dose (DDD). RESULTS Of 1340 patients (mean age 39.7 years) in the safety study population, 42 were ≥ 65 years of age (mean age 67.0 years, 52.4% female). Median duration of exposure was 36.1 and 36.9 months for overall patients and older patients, respectively, and mean epilepsy duration was 22.9 and 38.5 years, respectively. At 1, 2, and 3 years, 80%, 72%, and 68% of patients overall, and 76%, 71%, and 69% of older patients, respectively, remained on cenobamate. Common TEAEs (≥ 20%) were somnolence and dizziness in overall patients, and somnolence, dizziness, fall, fatigue, balance disorder, and upper respiratory tract infection in older patients. Falls in older patients occurred after a mean 452.1 days of adjunctive cenobamate treatment (mean dose 262.5 mg/day; mean concomitant ASM drug load 2.46). Of 240 patients in the post hoc efficacy population, 18 were ≥ 65 years of age. Mean seizure frequency at baseline was 18.1 seizures/28 days for the efficacy population and 3.1 seizures/28 days for older patients. Rates of 100% seizure reduction within 3-month intervals during the maintenance phase increased over time for the overall population (n = 214) and older adults (n = 15), reaching 51.9% and 78.6%, respectively, by 24 months. Mean percentage change in concomitant ASM drug load, not including cenobamate, was reduced in the overall efficacy population (31.8%) and older patients (36.3%) after 24 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Results from this post hoc analysis showed notable rates of efficacy in older patients taking adjunctive cenobamate. Rates of several individual TEAEs occurred more frequently in older patients. Further reductions in concomitant ASMs may be needed in older patients when starting cenobamate to avoid adverse effects such as somnolence, dizziness, and falls. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02535091.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca O'Dwyer
- Epilepsy Section, Department of Neurological Sciences, Comprehensive Epilepsy Clinic for Elderly, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison Street, Suite 885, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | | | | | | | - William E Rosenfeld
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Care Center for Children and Adults, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Somes J. Seizure Considerations in Older Adults and Geriatric Patients. J Emerg Nurs 2024; 50:192-203. [PMID: 38453341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Older adults account for 25% of first-time seizures, with many of these seizures caused by accumulated injuries and insults to the brain and comorbidities associated with aging or as a result of a life-threatening comorbidity, yet seizures in older adults are often so subtle that they are not recognized or treated. Once an older adult has 1 seizure, they are at higher risk of more seizures and ultimately a diagnosis of epilepsy. Epilepsy affects quality of life and safety and may jeopardize life itself in the older adult; thus, it is important to be able to recognize seizures in older adults and know what to do.
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Brigo F, Zelano J, Abraira L, Bentes C, Ekdahl CT, Lattanzi S, Ingvar Lossius M, Redfors P, Rouhl RPW, Russo E, Sander JW, Vogrig A, Wickström R. Proceedings of the "International Congress on Structural Epilepsy & Symptomatic Seizures" (STESS, Gothenburg, Sweden, 29-31 March 2023). Epilepsy Behav 2024; 150:109538. [PMID: 38039602 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Brigo
- Innovation, Research and Teaching Service (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Johan Zelano
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sweden; Wallenberg Center of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg University, Sweden
| | - Laura Abraira
- Neurology Department, Epilepsy Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Epilepsy Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Bentes
- Neurophysiological Monitoring Unit - EEG/Sleep Laboratory, Refractory Epilepsy Reference Centre (member of EpiCARE), Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal; Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Christine T Ekdahl
- Division of Clinical Neurophysiology and Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Morten Ingvar Lossius
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petra Redfors
- Department of Neurology, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rob P W Rouhl
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Academic Centre for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe/MUMC+ Heeze and Maastricht, The Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks., SL9 0RJ, United Kingdom; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede 2103 SW, The Netherlands; Neurology Department, West of China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Alberto Vogrig
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy; Clinical Neurology, Department of Head-Neck and Neuroscience, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), Udine, Italy
| | - Ronny Wickström
- Neuropediatric Unit, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Pascarella A, Gasparini S, Manzo L, Marsico O, Torino C, Abelardo D, Cianci V, Iudice A, Bisulli F, Bonanni P, Caggia E, D'Aniello A, Di Bonaventura C, DiFrancesco JC, Domina E, Dono F, Gambardella A, Marini C, Marrelli A, Matricardi S, Morano A, Paladin F, Renna R, Piccioli M, Striano P, Ascoli M, Ferlazzo E, Aguglia U. Perampanel as only add-on epilepsy treatment in elderly: A subgroup analysis of real-world data from retrospective, multicenter, observational study. J Neurol Sci 2023; 455:122797. [PMID: 37976793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.122797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug management of epilepsy in the elderly presents unique but data on this population are scarce. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of perampanel (PER) used as only add-on to a background anti-seizure medication (ASM) in the elderly in a real-world setting. METHODS We performed a subgroup analysis of patients aged ≥65 years included in a previous 12-month multicenter study on adults. Treatment discontinuation, seizure frequency, and adverse events were recorded at 3, 6 and 12 months after PER introduction. Sub-analyses by early (≤1 previous ASM) or late PER add-on were also conducted. RESULTS The sample included 65 subjects (mean age: 75.7 ± 7.2 years), with mainly focal (73.8%) epilepsy. The mean PER daily dose was ≈4 mg during all follow-up. Retention rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 90.5%, 89.6%, and 79.4%ly. The baseline median normalized per 28-day seizure number significantly decreased at 3-, 6- and 12-month visits. One year after PER introduction, the responder rate (≥50% reduction in baseline seizure frequency) was 89.7%, with a seizure freedom rate of 72.4%. Adverse events occurred in 22 (34.9%) patients with dizziness and irritability being the most frequent. No major differences between early (41 patients, 63.1%), and late add-on groups were observed. CONCLUSION Adjunctive PER was effective and well-tolerated when used as only add-on treatment in elderly people with epilepsy in clinical practice, thus representing a suitable therapeutic option in this age category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Pascarella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Sara Gasparini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Oreste Marsico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Claudia Torino
- Clinical Epidemiology and Physiopathology of Renal Diseases and Hypertension of Reggio Calabria, National Council of Research, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Domenico Abelardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vittoria Cianci
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Alfonso Iudice
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Full Member of the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (EpiCARE), Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Treviso, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Fedele Dono
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Gambardella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Neurologic Clinic, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carla Marini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, G. Salesi Pediatric Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alfonso Marrelli
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Rosaria Renna
- Neurological Clinic and Stroke Unit, "Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Marta Piccioli
- UOC Neurology, PO San Filippo Neri, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Edoardo Ferlazzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy.
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
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Helmstaedter C, Lutz T, Wolf V, Witt JA. Prevalence of dementia in a level 4 university epilepsy center: how big is the problem? Front Neurol 2023; 14:1217594. [PMID: 37928163 PMCID: PMC10623304 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1217594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between epilepsy and dementia is currently a topic of great interest. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of dementia diagnoses among patients of a large level 4 university epilepsy center. Methods In this retrospective monocentric study conducted at the Department of Epileptology of the University Hospital Bonn, we searched for dementia-related terms in a total of 145,501 medical letters from 40,360 adult patients who were seen between 2003 and 2021. Files with at least one hit were selected and analyzed with regard to diagnoses, age, age at epilepsy onset, and the question as to whether epilepsy preceded or followed the dementia diagnosis. Results Among the medical letters of 513 patients, dementia-related terms were found. The letters of 12.7% of these patients stated a dementia diagnosis, 6.6% were suspected of having dementia, 4.9% had mild cognitive impairment, and 6.6% had other neurodegenerative diseases without dementia. Taking all 40,360 patients into account, the prevalence of diagnosed or suspected dementia was 0.25%. An older age (≥60 years) and late-onset epilepsy (≥60 years), but not a longer epilepsy duration, increased the odds of dementia by 6.1 (CI 3.5-10.7) and 2.9 (CI 1.7-4.7), respectively. Additionally, vascular, metabolic, inflammatory, and behavioral mood-related comorbidities were commonly observed. Epilepsy tended to precede (23.2%) rather than follow (8.1%) the dementia diagnosis. Conclusion Despite the clear limitations of a selection bias and the potential underdiagnosis of dementia and underestimation of its prevalence when relying on the medical letters from a specialized center which rather focuses on epilepsy-related issues, the findings of this study offer valuable insights from the perspective of an epilepsy center. In this setting, the prevalence of dementia in epilepsy is rather low. However, physicians should be aware that the risk of dementia is higher in the elderly, in late-onset epilepsies, and when comorbid risk factors exist. Seizures can also be an early sign of a neurodegenerative disease. Future research should explicitly screen for dementia in patients with epilepsy and stratify them according to their underlying pathologies and comorbidities.
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Kerezoudis P, Worrell GA, Van Gompel JJ. Letter to the Editor regarding "Management of epilepsy in older adults: A critical review by the ILAE Task Force on Epilepsy in the Elderly". Epilepsia 2023; 64:247-248. [PMID: 36328954 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jamie J Van Gompel
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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