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Leeman-Markowski BA, Martin SP, Hardstone R, Tam DM, Devinsky O, Meador KJ. Novelty preference assessed by eye tracking: A sensitive measure of impaired recognition memory in epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 155:109749. [PMID: 38636142 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109749] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy patients often report memory deficits despite normal objective testing, suggesting that available measures are insensitive or that non-mnemonic factors are involved. The Visual Paired Comparison Task (VPCT) assesses novelty preference, the tendency to fixate on novel images rather than previously viewed items, requiring recognition memory for the "old" images. As novelty preference is a sensitive measure of hippocampal-dependent memory function, we predicted impaired VPCT performance in epilepsy patients compared to healthy controls. METHODS We assessed 26 healthy adult controls and 31 epilepsy patients (16 focal-onset, 13 generalized-onset, 2 unknown-onset) with the VPCT using delays of 2 or 30 s between encoding and recognition. Fifteen healthy controls and 17 epilepsy patients (10 focal-onset, 5 generalized-onset, 2 unknown-onset) completed the task at 2-, 5-, and 30-minute delays. Subjects also performed standard memory measures, including the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) Paragraph Test, California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II), and Brief Visual Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). RESULTS The epilepsy group was high functioning, with greater estimated IQ (p = 0.041), greater years of education (p = 0.034), and higher BVMT-R scores (p = 0.024) compared to controls. Both the control group and epilepsy cohort, as well as focal- and generalized-onset subgroups, had intact novelty preference at the 2- and 30-second delays (p-values ≤ 0.001) and declined at 30 min (p-values > 0.05). Only the epilepsy patients had early declines at 2- and 5-minute delays (controls with intact novelty preference at p = 0.003 and p ≤ 0.001, respectively; epilepsy groups' p-values > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Memory for the "old" items decayed more rapidly in overall, focal-onset, and generalized-onset epilepsy groups. The VPCT detected deficits while standard memory measures were largely intact, suggesting that the VPCT may be a more sensitive measure of temporal lobe memory function than standard neuropsychological batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Leeman-Markowski
- Neurology Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 E. 23(rd) St., New York, NY 10010, USA; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 223 E. 34(th) St., New York, NY 10016, USA; Research Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 E. 23(rd) St., New York, NY 10010, USA.
| | - Samantha P Martin
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 223 E. 34(th) St., New York, NY 10016, USA; Research Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 E. 23(rd) St., New York, NY 10010, USA.
| | - Richard Hardstone
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, 550 1st Ave., New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Danny M Tam
- Division of Psychology, Mental Health Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 E. 23(rd) St., New York, NY 10010, USA.
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 223 E. 34(th) St., New York, NY 10016, USA; Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, 550 1st Ave., New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Kimford J Meador
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 213 Quarry Road, MC 5979, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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Martin SP, Leeman-Markowski BA. Proposed mechanisms of tau: relationships to traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1287545. [PMID: 38249745 PMCID: PMC10797726 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1287545] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and epilepsy share proposed mechanisms of injury, including neuronal excitotoxicity, cascade signaling, and activation of protein biomarkers such as tau. Although tau is typically present intracellularly, in tauopathies, phosphorylated (p-) and hyper-phosphorylated (hp-) tau are released extracellularly, the latter leading to decreased neuronal stability and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Tau cleavage at particular sites increases susceptibility to hyper-phosphorylation, NFT formation, and eventual cell death. The relationship between tau and inflammation, however, is unknown. In this review, we present evidence for an imbalanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and inflammatory signaling pathways resulting in atypical p-tau, hp-tau and NFT formation. Further, we propose tau as a biomarker for neuronal injury severity in TBI, AD, and epilepsy. We present a hypothesis of tau phosphorylation as an initial acute neuroprotective response to seizures/TBI. However, if the underlying seizure pathology or TBI recurrence is not effectively treated, and the pathway becomes chronically activated, we propose a "tipping point" hypothesis that identifies a transition of tau phosphorylation from neuroprotective to injurious. We outline the role of amyloid beta (Aβ) as a "last ditch effort" to revert the cell to programmed death signaling, that, when fails, transitions the mechanism from injurious to neurodegenerative. Lastly, we discuss targets along these pathways for therapeutic intervention in AD, TBI, and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha P. Martin
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, United States
| | - Beth A. Leeman-Markowski
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, United States
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Rastogi S, Meador KJ, Barr WB, Devinsky O, Leeman-Markowski BA. Remote Memory in Epilepsy: Assessment, Impairment, and Implications Regarding Hippocampal Function. Front Neurol 2022; 13:855332. [PMID: 35463127 PMCID: PMC9024073 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.855332] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of epilepsy patients provide insight into the neuroscience of human memory. Patients with remote memory deficits may learn new information but have difficulty recalling events from years past. The processes underlying remote memory impairment are unclear and likely result from the interaction of multiple factors, including hippocampal dysfunction. The hippocampus likely has a continued role in remote semantic and episodic memory storage over time, and patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are at particular risk for deficits. Studies have focused on lateralization of remote memory, often with greater impairment in left TLE, which may relate to verbal task demands. Remote memory testing is restricted by methodological limitations. As a result, deficits have been difficult to measure. This review of remote memory focuses on evidence for its underlying neurobiology, theoretical implications for hippocampal function, and methodological difficulties that complicate testing in epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanya Rastogi
- Epilepsy and Cognition Laboratory, Veterans Affairs, New York Harbor Healthcare System, Research Service, New York, NY, United States
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kimford J. Meador
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - William B. Barr
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Beth A. Leeman-Markowski
- Epilepsy and Cognition Laboratory, Veterans Affairs, New York Harbor Healthcare System, Research Service, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
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Leeman-Markowski BA, Adams J, Martin SP, Devinsky O, Meador KJ. Methylphenidate for attention problems in epilepsy patients: Safety and efficacy. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 115:107627. [PMID: 33360744 PMCID: PMC7884102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107627] [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: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk of seizures, and children with epilepsy have an increased prevalence of ADHD. Adults with epilepsy often have varying degrees of attentional dysfunction due to multiple factors, including anti-seizure medications, frequent seizures, interictal discharges, underlying lesions, and psychiatric comorbidities. Currently, there are no approved medications for the treatment of epilepsy-related attentional dysfunction. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a stimulant, FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD, and often used for ADHD in the setting of pediatric epilepsy. Large database and registry studies indicate safety of MPH in children with ADHD and epilepsy, with no significant effect on seizure frequency. Small single-dose and open-label studies suggest efficacy of MPH in adults with epilepsy-related attention deficits. Methylphenidate represents a possible treatment for attentional dysfunction due to epilepsy, but large, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A. Leeman-Markowski
- Research Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 E. 23rd St., New York, NY, US 10010,Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 223 E. 34th St., New York, NY, US 10016,Corresponding author, Beth A. Leeman-Markowski,
| | - Jesse Adams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5723, United States.
| | - Samantha P. Martin
- Research Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 E. 23rd St., New York, NY, US 10010,Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 223 E. 34th St., New York, NY, US 10016
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 223 E. 34th St., New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Langone Health, 660 1st Ave. #5, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, 550 1st Ave., New York, NY 10016, United States.
| | - Kimford J. Meador
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 213 Quarry Road, MC 5979 (room 2856), Palo Alto, CA, US 94304-5979
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Leeman-Markowski BA, Meador KJ, Moo LR, Cole AJ, Hoch DB, Garcia E, Schachter SC. Does memantine improve memory in subjects with focal-onset epilepsy and memory dysfunction? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 88:315-324. [PMID: 30449328 PMCID: PMC7261142 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Excitotoxic injury involving N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hyperactivity contributes to epilepsy-related memory dysfunction (ERMD). Current treatment strategies for ERMD have limited efficacy and fail to target the underlying pathophysiology. The present pilot study evaluated the efficacy of memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, for the treatment of ERMD in adults with focal-onset seizures. METHODS Subjects underwent cognitive testing at baseline, after a 13-week randomized, parallel-group, double-blinded phase (of memantine titrated to 10 mg bid or placebo), and following a 13-week open-label extension phase (of memantine titrated to 10 mg bid). The selective reminding test (SRT) continuous long-term retrieval (CLTR) score and 7/24 Spatial Recall Test learning score served as the primary outcome measures. Secondary measures included tests of attention span, fluency, visual construction, and response inhibition, as well as assessments of quality of life, depression, sleepiness, and side effects. RESULTS Seventeen subjects contributed data to the blinded phase (n = 8 memantine, n = 9 placebo). No significant differences were seen between groups on the primary or secondary outcome measures. Pooled data at the end of the open-label phase from 10 subjects (initially randomized to memantine n = 3 or placebo n = 7) demonstrated statistically significant improvement from baseline in CLTR score, memory-related quality of life, spatial span, and response inhibition. No significant changes were evident in depression, sleepiness, side effects, or seizure frequency throughout the trial. SIGNIFICANCE Results demonstrated no significant effect of memantine on cognition when assessed at the end of the blinded period. Pooled data at the end of the open-label phase showed significant improvement over baseline performance in measures of verbal memory, frontal-executive function, and memory-related quality of life. These improvements, however, may be due to practice effects and should be interpreted cautiously. Findings suggest a favorable safety profile of memantine in the setting of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A. Leeman-Markowski
- Research Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, USA,Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Corresponding author at: 423 E. 23rd St., New York, NY 10010, USA. (B.A. Leeman-Markowski)
| | - Kimford J. Meador
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Lauren R. Moo
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew J. Cole
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel B. Hoch
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eduardo Garcia
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA,Newton–Wellesley Neurology Associates, PC, Newton Lower Falls, MA, USA
| | - Steven C. Schachter
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cognitive and behavioral treatments for epilepsy offer several advantages, as they are relatively low cost, are non-invasive, lack serious side effects, and facilitate patient participation. Their role in the management of epilepsy, however, is unclear. The following manuscript will critically review the efficacy data regarding psychological treatments for seizure reduction. RECENT FINDINGS Encouraging results have been found for the cognitive behavioral therapy-based Reiter/Andrews approach and mindfulness or arousal-based programs (e.g., yoga, meditation, relaxation, and biofeedback). Most studies attained responder rates between 45 and 90%. Cognitive and behavioral interventions may be considered as low-risk adjuncts to standard therapies. Efficacy data are limited, however, by small numbers of subjects, inadequate randomization, controls, and blinding, brief trial durations, varying methodologies, and variability in the presentation of results. Additional clinical trials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Leeman-Markowski
- NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University, 223 E. 34th St, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System-Manhattan Campus, Research Service, 423 E. 23rd St, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Steven C Schachter
- Departments of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 125 Nashua St., Suite 324, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Leeman-Markowski BA, Smart OL, Faught RE, Gross RE, Meador KJ. Cessation of gamma activity in the dorsomedial nucleus associated with loss of consciousness during focal seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 51:215-20. [PMID: 26295448 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Impaired consciousness during seizures may be mediated by ictal propagation to the thalamus. Functions of individual thalamic nuclei with respect to consciousness, however, are largely unknown. The dorsomedial (DM) nucleus of the thalamus likely plays a role in arousal and cognition. We propose that alterations of firing patterns within the DM nucleus contribute to impaired arousal during focal seizures. METHODS Electroencephalograph data were collected from electrodes within the left DM thalamus and midcingulate cortex (MCC) in a patient undergoing seizure monitoring. Spectral power was computed across ictal states (preictal, ictal, and postictal) and level of consciousness (stupor/sleep vs. awake) in the DM nucleus and MCC. RESULTS Eighty-seven seizures of multifocal left frontal and temporal onsets were analyzed, characterized by loss of consciousness. At baseline, the left DM nucleus demonstrated rhythmic bursts of gamma activity, most frequently and with greatest amplitude during wakefulness. This activity ceased as ictal discharges spread to the MCC, and consciousness was impaired, and it recurred at the end of each seizure as awareness was regained. The analysis of gamma (30-40Hz) power demonstrated that when seizures occurred during wakefulness, there was lower DM ictal power (p<0.0001) and higher DM postictal power (p<0.0001) relative to the preictal epoch. This spectral pattern was not evident within the MCC or when seizures occurred during sleep. CONCLUSIONS Data revealed a characteristic pattern of DM gamma bursts during wakefulness, which disappeared during partial seizures associated with impaired consciousness. The findings are consistent with studies suggesting that the DM nucleus participates in cognition and arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Leeman-Markowski
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - O L Smart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - R E Faught
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - R E Gross
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - K J Meador
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive (Room A343), Stanford, CA 94305-5235, USA.
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Karakis I, Leeman-Markowski BA, Leveroni CL, Kilbride RD, Cash SS, Eskandar EN, Simon MV. Intra-stimulation discharges: An overlooked cortical electrographic entity triggered by direct electrical stimulation. Clin Neurophysiol 2015; 126:882-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Leeman-Markowski BA. Fifteen years of Epilepsy & behavior: a hearty congratulations and a heartfelt thank you. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 40:122. [PMID: 25281296 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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