People With Epilepsy Have Higher Likelihood of Cognitive Impairment

Depressive symptoms, anxiety seen across patient groups referred to Austin Hospital First Seizure Clinic

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Cognitive impairment, especially in learning and memory, is more likely among people with epilepsy, according to a study published online Nov. 19 in Epilepsia Open.

Remy Pugh, from Monash University in Clayton, Australia, and colleagues examined cognitive and psychological compromise in patients diagnosed with epilepsy in a sample of 201 patients referred to the Austin Hospital First Seizure Clinic (FSC). Participants underwent cognitive screening and psychological screening prior to their diagnostic evaluation. The rates of cognitive and psychological impairment were compared to those from 35 demographically matched controls. Cognitive differences were examined between the patient subgroups (epilepsy, first unprovoked seizure, acute symptomatic seizure, and syncope).

The researchers found that cognitive impairments were more likely among people with epilepsy, particularly in learning and memory, with worse performances than all other FSC groups. All patient groups had a similar prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms, with one in three at risk for major depressive disorder. Across patient groups, elevated anxiety symptoms were common, but no significant difference from controls was observed.

“Our findings highlight the importance of neuropsychological screening early in the clinical pathway to identify those in need of further assessment, referral, and management of problems (regardless of eventual diagnosis), and to provide a baseline for which clinical or treatment changes can be indexed,” the authors write.