Alzheimer's Disease and Seizures: Useful Information
Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurological disorder, is known to have a unique connection with seizures. This connection presents significant healthcare challenges for those affected.
Seizure Types in Alzheimer's
The common seizure types associated with Alzheimer's disease are primarily focal seizures such as Jacksonian (Focal Motor) seizures, and can also include tonic seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures as the disease progresses.
Jacksonian (Focal Motor) Seizures
These seizures typically start focally, often affecting one muscle group such as a hand or face, with rhythmic clonic jerking that may spread in a sequence called the Jacksonian march along one side of the body. They are brief (under 2 minutes), unilateral, and may progress to secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Focal Tonic Seizures
Focal tonic seizures show sudden tonic (sustained) posturing of limbs—extension or flexion—usually asymmetric and can be unilateral or bilateral. They tend to be brief and frequent, often occurring during sleep.
Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures involve widespread stiffening and jerking of the entire body and may result from secondary generalization of focal seizures. They typically involve loss of consciousness and post-seizure confusion, and are also called grand mal seizures.
The Increased Risk of Seizures in Alzheimer's
People with Alzheimer's may have an increased likelihood of epileptiform activity. Seizures in Alzheimer's patients can be both focal and generalized. The exact cause of this association is not yet known, but scientists have found a higher risk of epileptic seizures in people with Alzheimer's compared to those without the condition.
Individuals with Alzheimer's have an exceptionally high risk of recurrent seizures. This risk seems to increase in the later stages of the disease. Seizures can arise during any stage of Alzheimer's, but their incidence ranges between percentages.
Antiepileptic Drugs and Alzheimer's
The use of antiepileptic drugs in Alzheimer's patients can pose challenges. While some antiepileptic drugs can help control seizures, they can negatively impact a person's cognitive capacities, which may already be impaired in people with Alzheimer's.
However, there are antiepileptic drugs like Brivaracetam and Levetiracetam that do not seem to impair cognition. On the other hand, drugs like benzodiazepines and valproic acid are not recommended for people with Alzheimer's due to potential cognitive impairment.
The Impact of Seizures on Alzheimer's Patients
People with Alzheimer's may experience memory loss, difficulty making decisions, repetition of questions, and seizures. A family history of Alzheimer's is a risk factor for seizures.
In the United States, approximately 5.8 million people aged 65 and over have Alzheimer's. This article discusses the link between Alzheimer's and seizures, aiming to provide a better understanding of this complex relationship.
References: [1][2][3][4][5]
[1] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Jacksonian March. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/jacksonian-march
[2] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Focal Tonic Seizures. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/focal-tonic-seizures
[3] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/generalized-tonic-clonic-seizures
[4] Alzheimer's Association. (2021). Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
[5] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Seizures. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Seizures-Information-Page
- In Alzheimer's patients, both focal and generalized seizures are common, particularly Jacksonian (Focal Motor) seizures, tonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures as the disease progresses.
- Alzheimer's patients may have an increased risk of epileptiform activity, and the incidence of seizures appears to increase in the later stages of the disease.
- The use of antiepileptic drugs in Alzheimer's patients can present challenges, as some drugs can negatively impact cognitive capacities, but there are alternatives like Brivaracetam and Levetiracetam that seem to not impair cognition.
