Prevalence and causes of seizures at the time of diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease

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.