1
|
Cavaco S, Moreira B, Dias D, Gonçalves A, Pinto C, Almeida E, Gomes F, Moreira I, Chaves J, Lopes J, Ramalheira J, Freitas J, Samões R, Rangel R, Martins da Silva A. Auditory verbal learning test can lateralize hippocampal sclerosis. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:932-938. [PMID: 35754382 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2090257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The ability of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) to lateralize hippocampal sclerosis (HS) in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) was explored in a sample of 50 patients with MTLE-HS (23 right and 27 left). Patients' AVLT scores were adjusted to the demographic characteristics of each individual in accordance with the Portuguese normative data. The laterality of the HS was determined by consensus by two neuroradiologists. ROC curves were used to identify the best AVLT cutoff scores to differentiate right vs. left HS. Diagnostic statistics were applied to different AVLT measures. The study results revealed that four AVLT scores can correctly classify the laterality of HS in the total sample and a sub-group of 39 right-handed patients (Edinburgh Laterality Inventory +100): delayed recall trial (76 and 80%, respectively), delayed recognition trial (64 and 67%, respectively), learning over trials index (64 and 74%, respectively), and long-term percent retention index (68 and 72%, respectively). In right-handed patients, the diagnostic capability of the delayed recall trial was improved by pairing it with the learning over trials index (accuracy of 85%). In sum, AVLT measures of verbal memory differentiate left from right HS in MTLE. The delayed recall trial demonstrated good diagnostic capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cavaco
- Neuropsychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB, Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Moreira
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel Dias
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Gonçalves
- Neuropsychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Claudia Pinto
- Neuropsychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Almeida
- Neuropsychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filomena Gomes
- Neuropsychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Moreira
- Neuropsychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Chaves
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lopes
- Neurophysiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Ramalheira
- Neurophysiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joel Freitas
- Neurophysiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Samões
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Rangel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Porto EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pellinen J, Sillau S, Morrison C, Maruff P, O'Brien TJ, Penovich P, French J, Knupp KG, Meador KJ. Engagement in online cognitive testing with the Cogstate brief battery among a multinational cohort of people with focal epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 159:109953. [PMID: 39121756 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Human Epilepsy Project (HEP) is a large multinational cohort study of people with newly diagnosed and treated focal epilepsy. HEP utilized the Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB) as a self-directed online assessment to examine cognitive outcomes in study participants. The CBB has previously been validated in healthy individuals and people with various brain disorders, but its use in adults participating in HEP has not been assessed. In this study, we describe how the CBB was used in the HEP cohort and assess factors associated with test completion among study participants. METHODS Enrollment data for HEP included 408 participants with comprehensive enrollment records, of whom 249 completed CBB assessments. HEP enrolled cognitively normal-range participants between the ages of 12 and 60 from June 29, 2012, to November 7, 2017, with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy and within 4 months of initial treatment. Baseline participant characteristics were analyzed, including demographics, pre-treatment seizure histories, MRI abnormalities, and the presence of any learning difficulties while in school, including formal learning disability diagnoses, repeated grades, and remediation. HEP participant characteristics for those who completed CBB testing were compared to those who did not using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS The analysis of HEP participants who completed CBB testing showed that, after controlling for other factors, male participants were more likely to engage in testing (OR 2.14, 95 % CI 1.29 to 3.5, p < 0.01), Black subjects were less likely (OR 0.45, 95 % CI 0.22 to 0.9, p = 0.02), primary English speakers were more likely (OR 3.1, 95 % CI 1.21 to 7.96, p = 0.02), and those with a history of learning challenges were less likely (OR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.49 to 0.97, p = 0.03). There were no significant associations between completing CBB testing and age, employment (employed or student vs not), education (higher education vs not), diagnostic delay, pre-diagnostic seizure burden, or initial seizure semiology (motor vs non-motor). SIGNIFICANCE The findings from this study highlight factors associated with the application of remote and unsupervised assessments of cognition in a prospective cohort of adults with focal epilepsy. These factors can be considered when interpreting performance on the CBB in HEP, as well as assisting the design of future studies that use similar approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Pellinen
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Stefan Sillau
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Chris Morrison
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Maruff
- Cogstate and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Monash University, Department of Neuroscience, The School of Translational Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jacqueline French
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly G Knupp
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kimford J Meador
- Stanford University Neuroscience Health Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Puteikis K, Jasionis A, Jasionytė G, Mameniškienė R. Long-term effects of vagus nerve stimulation therapy on cognitive functioning in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2245-2252. [PMID: 37981620 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for drug-resistant epilepsy, its impact on cognitive functioning remains insufficiently investigated. OBJECTIVE We aimed to comprehensively assess changes in cognition after long-term VNS therapy in a prospective sample of adults with epilepsy. METHODS Between December 2019 and March 2023, patients scheduled for VNS implantation were invited for neuropsychological assessment, including tests of executive functions, working and short-term memory (recall of a verbal logical story and the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF)), and social cognition. Participants were re-evaluated after a year of VNS therapy and the pre- and postoperative scores were compared by means of the Student's t or Wilcoxon's signed rank tests for paired samples. Patients available only after a longer follow-up (more than 24 months) were also re-examined and included in a secondary analysis. RESULTS The study included 28 PWE (16, 57.1% female, average age 33.7 ± 10.0 years). Twenty-two PWE followed-up at 14.5 ± 4.8 months had worse categorical verbal fluency than preoperatively (t = 2.613, p = 0.016). After including patients with long follow-up (n = 28, 21.6 ± 11.4 months), the group scored better on the delayed recall of the ROCF (17.09 ± 8.84 to 20.65 ± 8.32 points, t(22) = - 2.618, p = 0.016) and the Happé strange stories test (5.0 ± 2.6 to 6.1 ± 2.1 points, t(14) = - 3.281, p = 0.005). No significant changes were observed in other cognitive domains (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION We suggest improvements in a task of social cognition and short-term visual memory after longer use of VNS therapy. Such findings should be confirmed in larger trials after controlling for changes in ictal or interictal activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arminas Jasionis
- Centre for Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Rūta Mameniškienė
- Centre for Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Helmstaedter C, Tailby C, Witt JA. Neuropsychology of late-onset epilepsies. Seizure 2024:S1059-1311(24)00078-5. [PMID: 38555201 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In an increasingly ageing society, patients ageing with epilepsy and those with late-onset epilepsies (LOE) represent a challenge for epilepsy care and treatment. Senescence itself bears risks of pathologies which in the form of acute focal damage (e.g. stroke) or slowly progressive degenerative damage can cause seizures and substantial cognitive impairment. There is converging evidence from studies in LOE that cognitive impairments are present from epilepsy onset before treatment is initiated and may even precede the emergence of seizures. This suggests that these impairments (like the seizures) are expressions of the underlying disease. Indeed, both seizures and cognitive impairments can be early indicators of disease conditions which lead to mental decline. Cognitive decline over time poses the challenge of disentangling the interrelation between seizures, treatment effects and underlying disease. This issue must be considered as some of the etiologies for causing neuropsychological decline can be addressed. Medication and active epilepsy can contribute to impairments and their impact may be reversible. Dementia is rare if seizures are what has brought the person to attention, and if this is not accompanied by other slowly developing features (such as cognitive of psychiatric changes). From a neuropsychological point of view choosing the right screening tools or assessments, obtaining the history and timeline of impairments in relation to epilepsy, and most importantly longitudinally following the patients regardless of whether epilepsy is ultimately controlled or not appear essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Helmstaedter
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - C Tailby
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - J-A Witt
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ethofer S, Milian M, Erb M, Rona S, Honegger J, Ethofer T. Investigating the effect of hippocampal sclerosis on parietal memory network. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:287-299. [PMID: 38017670 PMCID: PMC10839411 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate differences in episodic memory networks between patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis and healthy controls, especially with regards to the parietal memory network (PMN), as well as their relation to neuropsychological memory performance after mesial temporal resection. METHODS 28 healthy subjects as well as 21 patients with TLE (12 left, 9 right) were investigated using a spatial memory fMRI paradigm, which has been shown to activate the PMN. Regions of interest (ROI) were defined based on the results of the second-level analyses and activations within the predefined ROIs were compared across groups and correlated with postoperative verbal and nonverbal memory scores. RESULTS Healthy subjects showed activations within regions belonging to the dorsal visual stream and the PMN as well as the bilateral parahippocampal place area, the bilateral frontal eye field, and the bilateral middle frontal gyrus. Comparison between groups revealed that TLE patients activated significantly less in the left middle occipital gyrus and the right precuneus. The activation pattern in left TLE patients showed further reductions, mainly in areas belonging to the dorsal visual stream and the PMN within the left hemisphere. Activations within the left superior parietal lobulus, bilateral inferior parietal lobulus, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, left precuneus, left frontal eye field, and left middle frontal gyrus correlated significantly with postoperative verbal memory scores, and activations within the left superior parietal lobulus, left inferior parietal lobulus, left middle temporal gyrus, and left precuneus correlated significantly with higher performance in postoperative nonverbal memory scores. SIGNIFICANCE The PMN is involved in episodic memory encoding. Higher activations in areas belonging to the PMN and the dorsal visual stream, especially within the left hemisphere, before amygdalohippocampectomy may result in higher postoperative memory scores. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study aims to investigate the effects of epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis, i.e. scarring in the temporal lobe, on memory networks in the brain. We discovered that especially patients with left-sided hippocampal sclerosis show reduced brain activations in visual areas and memory networks within the left hemisphere of the brain during orientation in space. Importantly, higher activations within these areas may result in better memory after epilepsy surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Ethofer
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Monika Milian
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Michael Erb
- Department of Biomedical Magnetic ResonanceUniversity of TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Sabine Rona
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital TübingenTübingenGermany
- Present address:
Klinik Lengg AG, Swiss Epilepsy ClinicZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jürgen Honegger
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Thomas Ethofer
- Department of Biomedical Magnetic ResonanceUniversity of TübingenTübingenGermany
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyUniversity Hospital TübingenTübingenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Roshan JHN, Chamanabad AG, Mashhadi A, Motamedi M. Cathodal HD-tDCS and attention: A study on patients with intractable left lateral frontal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2024; 199:107265. [PMID: 38071911 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Defects in the attentional network in patients with epilepsy are influenced by factors such as the location of epileptic foci. Examining the impact of cathodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on attention components could provide insights into potential attention-related side effects of tDCS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cathodal HD-tDCS on interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), auditory/visual (A/V) attention components, and reaction time (RT) in patients with intractable focal left lateral frontal lobe epilepsy (LFLE). METHODS To control for variations in individual epilepsy syndrome, 12 adult participants diagnosed with drug-resistant left LFLE with focal cortical IEDs on C3 underwent repeated measurements at pretest, posttest, and follow-up steps. 4 × 1 ring electrodes (cathode on C3 and four anodes on F3, P3, T3, and Cz) delivered 2 mA DC for 20 min per session for 10 consecutive days. The integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA+) assessed the A/V attention components and RT. One-way repeated-measure ANOVA was used. RESULTS The findings suggest a significant effect in reducing IEDs. The IVA+ results showed a significant improvement in auditory divided attention and visual selective and focused attention (p < 0.05). In the follow-up, these changes demonstrated lasting efficacy. A/V speed scales increased (p < 0.05), showing a significant decrease in reaction time. CONCLUSIONS Cathodal HD-tDCS significantly reduced IEDs and improved the components of auditory divided attention, visual focused attention, and visual selective attention, with a reduction in patient reaction time. A significant lasting, side-effect-free positive effect was observed for up to one month after the intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Ghanaei Chamanabad
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Cognitive Science Research Center, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Ali Mashhadi
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Cognitive Science Research Center, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Motamedi
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
DeFelipe J, DeFelipe-Oroquieta J, Furcila D, Muñoz-Alegre M, Maestú F, Sola RG, Blázquez-Llorca L, Armañanzas R, Kastanaskaute A, Alonso-Nanclares L, Rockland KS, Arellano JI. Neuroanatomical and psychological considerations in temporal lobe epilepsy. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:995286. [PMID: 36590377 PMCID: PMC9794593 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.995286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of focal epilepsy and is associated with a variety of structural and psychological alterations. Recently, there has been renewed interest in using brain tissue resected during epilepsy surgery, in particular 'non-epileptic' brain samples with normal histology that can be found alongside epileptic tissue in the same epileptic patients - with the aim being to study the normal human brain organization using a variety of methods. An important limitation is that different medical characteristics of the patients may modify the brain tissue. Thus, to better determine how 'normal' the resected tissue is, it is fundamental to know certain clinical, anatomical and psychological characteristics of the patients. Unfortunately, this information is frequently not fully available for the patient from which the resected tissue has been obtained - or is not fully appreciated by the neuroscientists analyzing the brain samples, who are not necessarily experts in epilepsy. In order to present the full picture of TLE in a way that would be accessible to multiple communities (e.g., basic researchers in neuroscience, neurologists, neurosurgeons and psychologists), we have reviewed 34 TLE patients, who were selected due to the availability of detailed clinical, anatomical, and psychological information for each of the patients. Our aim was to convey the full complexity of the disorder, its putative anatomical substrates, and the wide range of individual variability, with a view toward: (1) emphasizing the importance of considering critical patient information when using brain samples for basic research and (2) gaining a better understanding of normal and abnormal brain functioning. In agreement with a large number of previous reports, this study (1) reinforces the notion of substantial individual variability among epileptic patients, and (2) highlights the common but overlooked psychopathological alterations that occur even in patients who become "seizure-free" after surgery. The first point is based on pre- and post-surgical comparisons of patients with hippocampal sclerosis and patients with normal-looking hippocampus in neuropsychological evaluations. The second emerges from our extensive battery of personality and projective tests, in a two-way comparison of these two types of patients with regard to pre- and post-surgical performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier DeFelipe
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain,Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Javier DeFelipe,
| | - Jesús DeFelipe-Oroquieta
- Gerencia Asistencial de Atención Primaria, Servicio Madrileño de Salud, Madrid, Spain,Facultad de Educación, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Furcila
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Muñoz-Alegre
- Facultad de Educación y Psicología, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Maestú
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael G. Sola
- Cátedra UAM de “Innovación en Neurocirugía”, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Blázquez-Llorca
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain,Sección Departamental de Anatomía y Embriología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Armañanzas
- Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Tecnun School of Engineering, Universidad de Navarra, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Asta Kastanaskaute
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain,Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Alonso-Nanclares
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain,Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kathleen S. Rockland
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jon I. Arellano
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Leo A, Tallarico M, Sciaccaluga M, Citraro R, Costa C. Epilepsy and Alzheimer's Disease: Current Concepts and Treatment Perspective on Two Closely Related Pathologies. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2029-2033. [PMID: 35524669 PMCID: PMC9886839 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220507020635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature on epileptic seizures in Alzheimer's disease has significantly increased over the past decades. Remarkably, several studies suggest a bi-directional link between these two common neurological diseases, with either condition carrying a nearly 2-fold risk of contracting the other in comparison to healthy subjects. In this respect, evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies indicates that epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration possibly share common underlying mechanisms. However, the precise association between epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration still needs to be fully elucidated. Targeted intervention to reduce abnormal network hyperexcitability might constitute a therapeutic strategy to postpone the onset of later neurodegenerative changes and consequent cognitive decline by many years in patients. By virtue of this, an early diagnosis and treatment of seizures in patients with Alzheimer's disease should be pursued. To date, no guidelines are available for treating epileptic activity in this context, largely due to the paucity of studies sufficient to answer the related questions. Accordingly, clinical trials are mandatory, not only to inform clinicians about symptomatic management of seizures in Alzheimer's disease patients but also to detect if treatment with antiseizure medications could have disease-modifying effects. Moreover, it will be fundamental to expand the application of animal models of Alzheimer's disease to comorbid conditions, such as epilepsy both to reveal the mechanisms underlying seizure onset and to better define their role in cognitive decline. Such models could also be useful to identify pharmacological compounds having therapeutically effectiveness as well as reliable early biomarkers for seizures in Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Martina Tallarico
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Neurology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; ,Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa – Germaneto 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Tel: +39 0961 3694191; Fax: +39 0961 3694192; E-mail:
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Neurology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mayo J, Panahi S, Roghani A, Van Cott AC, Pugh MJ. Treatment of Epilepsy in the Setting of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-022-00740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
10
|
Henning O, Alfstad KÅ, Johannessen Landmark C, Helmstaedter C, Lossius MI, Holth Skogan A. Use of screening tools to assess comorbidities and adverse events in patients with epilepsy. A European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (EpiCARE) survey. Seizure 2022; 101:237-243. [PMID: 36115293 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE As comorbidities can affect treatment decisions, quality of life, and prognosis in epilepsy, it is important that they are detected and addressed as soon as possible. Screening tools can help by rapidly assessing various additional challenges in epilepsy. METHODS To map the use and perceived benefit of different screening instruments for quality of life, psychiatric comorbidity, and cognition, along with side effects from anti-seizure medication in Europe, we sent an online questionnaire to dedicated epilepsy centres departments within the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (EpiCARE). RESULTS Among the 40 hospitals in the EpiCARE network, we received responses from 25 (63%), with 28 individual respondents. Most respondents reported using screening for quality of life (86%) and psychiatric comorbidity (82%), but relatively few (14%) screen for sexual problems. Many (47) different tools were used for evaluation of cognitive dysfunction, but just a few (5) different tools were used to screen for adverse events. The optimization of individual patient care was one main reason given for using screening tools (58%-100% - depending on purpose of tool), another was research (50% - 88% - depending on purpose of tool). A major benefit of using screening tools perceived by the respondents is the detection of "hidden" comorbidity (67% - 90% - depending on purpose of tool). CONCLUSION In the absence of a broad consensus regarding use of screening tools, practices vary considerably among epilepsy centres. Greater emphasis should be directed towards harmonizing use of screening tools. Future research should address how screening results influence treatment choices, and how these might affect clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Henning
- The National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Norway.
| | - Kristin Å Alfstad
- The National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Norway
| | - Cecilie Johannessen Landmark
- The National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Norway; Section for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Morten I Lossius
- The National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annette Holth Skogan
- The National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Luelsberg F, Krakau S, Chaieb L, Witt JA, von Wrede R, Fell J, Helmstaedter C. Neuropsychological features of mind wandering in left-, right- and extra temporal lobe epilepsy. Seizure 2021; 95:50-55. [PMID: 34998088 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mind wandering, i.e. mental time-travelling and imagery unrelated to the current situation has recently been related to mesial temporal lobe (memory) function. In this regard we evaluated as to whether parameters of mind wandering are related to material specific memory in patients with a left-, right-, or extra- temporal lobe epilepsy. METHODS In this prospective controlled study we analyzed mind wandering, material specific memory, and executive functions in 29 right-handed patients with right-, left-, or extra-temporal lobe epilepsies. Mind wandering was assessed with a sustained attention to response task containing embedded inquiries on mind wandering. In addition, verbal list learning and memory (VLMT), design list learning (DCS-R), and executive function (EpiTrack) were assessed. RESULTS In patients with right temporal lobe epilepsy, the propensity to mind wander was positively related to verbal memory performance, while in left temporal lobe epilepsy, the propensity and future related mind wandering were positively correlated to the performance in visual/figural memory. Generally, the propensity of MW was related to executive function as well. CONCLUSION The results suggest that mind wandering in lateralized temporal lobe epilepsy appears to be non-specifically driven by executive function and specifically by the mode and functionality of the memory system of the non-epileptic hemisphere. Repeated assessments would be required to discern as to how much such patterns depend on lesions versus epileptic dysfunction and whether they change with successful medical or surgical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofie Krakau
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Leila Chaieb
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Randi von Wrede
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Juergen Fell
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zaccara G, Bartolini E, Tramacere L, Lattanzi S. Drugs for patients with epilepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 124:108311. [PMID: 34534876 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and attentional deficits are often observed in people with epilepsy. They may be the consequence of seizures and subclinical discharges as well as of comorbid conditions as obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAS), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other less frequent disorders. Excessive daytime sleepiness may also be caused or worsened by antiseizure medications (ASMs). Several meta-analyses suggested that lamotrigine, lacosamide, and perhaps eslicarbazepine are less sedative than other traditional and new ASMs and, in patients prone to somnolence, might be preferred over ASMs with more sedative properties. In patients with severe EDS and/or ADHD, advantages and risks of a treatment with a psychostimulant need to be considered. Methylphenidate, modafinil, armodafinil, pitolisant, and solriamfetol are authorized for use in ADHD and EDS in patients with narcolepsy and some of them also in OSAS. These agents are off-label for the treatment of EDS associated with epilepsy. They do not have proconvulsant effects, although there are several possible risks for patients with epilepsy. The risks of cardiovascular events and psychiatric symptoms should be carefully evaluated as such disorders can coexist with epilepsy and be triggered by these agents. Finally, combination of psychostimulants with ASMs may be associated with several pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuele Bartolini
- USL Centro Toscana, Neurology Unit, Nuovo Ospedale Santo Stefano, Prato, Italy
| | - Luciana Tramacere
- USL Centro Toscana, Neurology Unit, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, Firenze, Italy
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Duckrow RB, Ceolini E, Zaveri HP, Brooks C, Ghosh A. Artificial neural network trained on smartphone behavior can trace epileptiform activity in epilepsy. iScience 2021; 24:102538. [PMID: 34308281 PMCID: PMC8257969 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of abnormal electrical activity patterns termed epileptiform discharges can occur in the brains of persons with epilepsy. These epileptiform discharges can be monitored and recorded with implanted devices that deliver therapeutic neurostimulation. These continuous recordings provide an opportunity to study the behavioral correlates of epileptiform discharges as the patients go about their daily lives. Here, we captured the smartphone touchscreen interactions in eight patients in conjunction with electrographic recordings (accumulating 35,714 h) and by using an artificial neural network model addressed if the behavior reflected the epileptiform discharges. The personalized model outputs based on smartphone behavioral inputs corresponded well with the observed electrographic data (R: 0.2-0.6, median 0.4). The realistic reconstructions of epileptiform activity based on smartphone use demonstrate how day-to-day digital behavior may be converted to personalized markers of disease activity in epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Enea Ceolini
- QuantActions GmbH, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, Leiden 2333 AK, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cornell Brooks
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Amherst College, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Arko Ghosh
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, Leiden 2333 AK, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Witt JA, Meschede C, Helmstaedter C. Hazardous employment of invalid measures for cognitive outcome assessment: You only see what your test can show you. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 117:107865. [PMID: 33662843 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolin Meschede
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|