Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Aged Care<br />
LOOKING FOR SEIZures IN DemenTIA<br />
Lim S & Pearson K.<br />
Background<br />
Seizures are known to be more common in patients with dementia compared with the general elderly population, however<br />
little clarity exists regarding its epidemiology, diagnosis and management.<br />
Aim<br />
This paper evaluates the presentation of both tonic-clonic seizures as well as non-convulsive occipital epileptiform activity<br />
in an elderly gentlemen with advanced Alzheimer’s disease complicated by behavioural and psychological symptoms of<br />
dementia (BPSD). The role of electroencephalography (EEG) in diagnosing non-convulsive seizures amongst demented<br />
individuals who are otherwise unable to describe symptoms of altered perceptions or fluctuating consciousness is discussed.<br />
Methodology<br />
A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was performed using the search terms ‘epilepsy’, ‘occipital seizures’,<br />
‘dementia’ and ‘anti-epileptic medication’ in Ovid Medline and PubMed. References from each article were searched for<br />
further studies of interest.<br />
Results<br />
Eighty-five publications were shortlisted for review in the following domains:<br />
1. Seizures in the elderly with dementia<br />
2. EEG in seizure evaluation<br />
3. Treatment of epilepsy in elderly patients with dementia<br />
Occipital seizures were diagnosed in the context of an abnormal EEG with behaviour suggestive of visual hallucinations in<br />
the elderly patient described. The subsequent commencement of anti-epileptic medications led to improved compliance with<br />
care and reduced BPSD.<br />
Conclusion<br />
Increased awareness regarding diagnosis and treatment of non-convulsive seizures in elderly patients with dementia can<br />
lead to better care through reducing anti-psychotic use for agitation otherwise attributed to BPSD. The EEG can be a useful<br />
tool in diagnosing focal epileptiform activity in the absence of clinical signs of seizures.<br />
12 <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Week</strong> <strong>Abstract</strong> <strong>Book</strong> <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Health</strong> 2013