The effect of seizures on working memory and executive functioning performance.
The aim of this study was to assess whether duration of seizure disorder and lifetime seizure load are associated with deficits in higher cognitive functions in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) (N=207) or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) (N=216). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that age at onset, duration, and group assignment were significant predictors of neuropsychological performance (all P<or=0.02), with group having a moderating relationship. Univariate analyses revealed different patterns of predictor effects on cognitive functioning within each diagnostic group. An impairment index was calculated for each individual, and univariate analyses revealed that age at TLE but not PNES onset was the only significant predictor of impairment (b=-0.005, P<0.001). The results suggest that earlier age at seizure onset, longer duration, and higher lifetime seizure frequency affect cognitive functioning in both the TLE and PNES groups, but differently within each group. These results have implications for early diagnosis and intervention in both groups.
Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0376, USA.
Leah Chapman
LC
Black
Bruce K
BK
Schefft
Steven R
SR
Howe
Jerzy P
JP
Szaflarski
Hwa-shain
HS
Yeh
Michael D
MD
Privitera
D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index