“Epilepsy and Alzheimers: interactions?”
I'm 85 years old, I have memory loss, especially having words drop out in mid-conversation. TIAs when by-standers recognized inappropriate but non-threatening behavior and dialed 911; very recent angry response to forcible restraint on a gurney after arrival at ER when ignored for hours; multiple (n=5-6) TIAs since 2013 characterized by blank periods of unawareness, tho no loss of consciousness; some more recent ones included intervals of complete unconsciousness. Recently difficulty speaking and hearing. A recent 24 hr EEG confirmed ecotemporal seizure rather than another TIA.
Meds: Aricept (Alzheimer's), Depakote (epilepsy), Alendronate (some Ca problem), geriatric multivitamin, meclizine (dizziness along toward the end of TIA symptoms), Metoprolol (heart treatment), Myrbetriq (urinary incontinence), Ocuvite with lutein (macular degeneration).
Meds: Aricept (Alzheimer's), Depakote (epilepsy), Alendronate (some Ca problem), geriatric multivitamin, meclizine (dizziness along toward the end of TIA symptoms), Metoprolol (heart treatment), Myrbetriq (urinary incontinence), Ocuvite with lutein (macular degeneration).
Female | 85 years old
Complaint duration: 7 yrs
Medications: See list
Conditions: Age, infirmity, mental problems
1 Answer
The interplay or non-interplay of these two very specific diagnoses can be extraordinarily complicated and requires intricately detailed assessment by a geriatric neurologist. It would be suggested that you go to an Academic medical center and look for this kind of specialist. You are probably aware that there are complex drug interactions, that some medications can lower the seizure threshold, and that treating of TIAs can further complicate things. If there truly is a lot of hope, you absolutely require a very compulsive neurologist that can tease apart many many variables and confounding factors. I would not be comfortable giving you a premature conclusion. Seek out a consultation with an expert that you trust near you. In fact, it might even be worth getting an additional second or third opinion because of how critical the diagnoses are in addition to the treatment. Best wishes!
