Study finds link between epilepsy and dementia in people under the age of 65
A study has been published recently in the American Journal of Neurology which suggests that people with epilepsy may be more likely to develop young-onset dementia. This is the term for people who develop dementia before the age of 65.
However, it is important to note that the study does not prove that epilepsy is a direct cause of young-onset dementia; it only shows an association. Also, the study does not explore the types of epilepsy or dementia which could be caused by a number of different factors.
The study used national databases in France and Sweden and researchers looked at both whether people with dementia had been previously diagnosed with epilepsy or used anti-seizure medication. They also followed other people with epilepsy to see they were diagnosed with dementia over time.
Based on the figures of people in both countries of people diagnosed with young-onset dementia, the researchers compared how many people had a pre-existing epilepsy diagnosis. In France it was discovered that 12.5% of the people with dementia had an epilepsy diagnosis compared to 1.2% of people without dementia.
The researchers also looked at people in France who were newly diagnosed with epilepsy aged between 30 to 55 in 2008 and then followed up the participants for up to 10 years to see who developed young- onset epilepsy. They compared this to people with existing epilepsy and those without epilepsy. The study found that
- 2.2% of newly diagnosed people developed young-onset dementia
- 1.7% of people who already had epilepsy
- 0.2% of people without epilepsy
Previous studies have shown a link between epilepsy and late-onset dementia but there can be other factors that could affect the risk of dementia such as stroke, mood disorders and traumatic brain injury.
Dr Fergus Rugg-Gunn, Consultant Neurologist at Epilepsy Society's Chalfont Centre and The UCLH National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery said: “One of the most common causes of epilepsy is cerebrovascular disease and one of the common causes of dementia is also cerebrovascular disease. It therefore looks like epilepsy and dementia are linked when in fact they just have a shared underlying cause.
“There is research work underway, to explore links between dementia pathology, ageing and epilepsy but it has not reached its conclusion. Therefore, we cannot say whether Alzheimer’s is related to epilepsy or if there are other relevant health factors.”
If you would like further information about dementia:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/what-link-between-seizures-and-dementia