Background/aims: 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.