Prevalence and causes of seizures at the time of diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the frequency of epilepsy at the time of diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).


METHODS
Observational study, Cognitive Function Clinic population, over a 6-year period (2000-2005 inclusive).


RESULTS
In a cohort of 177 patients with newly diagnosed clinically probable AD, 12 (6.8%) had a history of seizure disorder and/or were using anti-epileptic medications at the time of diagnosis. In 6 of these cases (3.4%), seizure onset was approximately concurrent with the onset of cognitive decline, and no symptomatic or provoking factor for seizures other than AD was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Although epileptic seizures are more common later in the course of AD, nonetheless they may accompany the onset of, and be symptomatic of, the disease, perhaps reflecting a shared pathogenesis.
Lozsadi
D A
DA
Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK.
Larner
A J
AJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants