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Dementia associated with epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 September 2005

Paulo Caramelli  and
Luiz Henrique Martins Castro
Paulo Caramelli
Affiliation:
Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit
Luiz Henrique Martins Castro
Affiliation:
Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract

In this review, we explore the relationship between epilepsy and cognition and between epilepsy and dementia. Chronic epilepsy, particularly mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) with hippocampal sclerosis, may be associated with impaired cognition, which can be secondary to uncontrolled seizures, to adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) or to the underlying biological abnormality. The choice of an adequate AED with an appropriate dose regimen may lead to a favorable outcome. This feature is especially relevant in elderly patients with dementia and associated epilepsy, a vulnerable population in which the diagnosis of seizures can be difficult and for whom treatment guidelines are not yet available. Based on available information and on data derived from studies with other populations, recommendations for the management of these patients are presented.

Keywords

Alzheimer's diseasevascular dementiaagingcognitionseizuresmesial temporal lobe epilepsyhippocampal sclerosisantiepileptic drugs
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 17 , Issue s1 , September 2005 , pp. S195 - S206
Copyright
© International Psychogeriatric Association 2005

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