Increased Incidence of Epilepsy Observed in Frontotemporal Dementia Patients

A recent study has revealed that the prevalence of epilepsy is significantly higher in individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) than previously understood. This finding sheds light on an important aspect of this memory disorder and underscores the necessity of considering epileptic seizures in the management and care of affected patients.

The research, led by teams from the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Oulu in collaboration with Neurocenter Finland, is based on one of the world's largest datasets examining the association between epilepsy and frontotemporal dementia. The results have been published in the journal JAMA Neurology.

While the link between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease is well-documented, data concerning its relationship with frontotemporal dementia has been limited. The current study addresses this gap, demonstrating that epilepsy is notably more prevalent among FTD patients than was previously estimated.

The investigation reviewed medical records from the university hospitals of Kuopio and Oulu from the years 2010 to 2021, identifying 245 patients with FTD and 1,326 with Alzheimer's disease. The study not only evaluated the prevalence of epilepsy among these groups but also compared findings with those of healthy control subjects.

The results indicate a higher incidence of epilepsy among FTD patients compared to those with Alzheimer's or healthy individuals. Notably, some patients with FTD experienced epilepsy up to a decade prior to their dementia diagnosis, and the condition was found to be more common at all stages of the disease than reported in prior studies.

The prevalence of epilepsy was tracked over various timeframes, from ten years before to five years following a dementia diagnosis. Findings revealed that the incidence of epilepsy in FTD patients increased over time, with approximately 11% exhibiting epilepsy five years post-diagnosis. Additionally, the use of antiepileptic medications was more frequent among FTD patients, further corroborating the study's conclusions.

Diagnosing epilepsy in individuals with frontotemporal dementia can pose significant challenges, as the manifestations of FTD may mimic those of epileptic seizures. This overlap can lead to missed diagnoses and treatment delays, which could exacerbate the condition of affected individuals.

Recognizing the presence of epilepsy is crucial, as effective treatment can enhance patients' functionality and overall quality of life. The findings of this research prompt new inquiries into whether FTD and epilepsy share common pathophysiological mechanisms and whether certain symptoms of FTD might be attributed to disruptions in the brain's electrical systems.

This study is part of a broader initiative that integrates comprehensive real-world patient data with various unique registries. It reflects a strong collaboration among the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Oulu, and various scientific disciplines, including medicine and law. Both Kuopio University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital are recognized as part of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, known for their expertise in epilepsy treatment and research.

For further details, refer to the study published by Annemari Kilpeläinen and colleagues in JAMA Neurology.