Seizure in Alzheimer's Disease: An Underestimated Phenomenon

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2019 Mar;34(2):81-88. doi: 10.1177/1533317518813551. Epub 2018 Dec 30.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered as a potential risk factor for the development of seizure due to neurodegeneration and imbalance between stimulatory and inhibitory circuits in the brain. Seizure could occur in any point during the course of AD, and its presentation varies from fluctuation in cognitive domains to more typical seizures. The clinical diagnosis of seizure in patients with dementia may be challenging due to difficulty in history taking and clinical assessment. No paraclinic methods other than electroencephalogram (EEG) could provide arguments for the diagnosis of AD-related seizures (neither imaging modalities nor cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers). Standard 30-minute EEG may not be sufficiently sensitive to detect epileptiform discharges. In the present study, we aim to review different aspects of seizure in AD, including seizure prevalence, risk factors, underlying mechanisms, electroencephalographic findings, clinical presentations, impact of seizures on AD, and treatment options.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; cognitive impairment; dementia; seizure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / complications*
  • Brain
  • Cognitive Dysfunction
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Seizures* / diagnosis
  • Seizures* / epidemiology