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Late‐onset epileptic seizures in adults with Down syndrome are linked to Alzheimer’s disease
Author(s) -
Altuna Miren,
Fernandez Susana,
CarmonaIragui Maria,
Barroeta Isabel,
SimonTalero Manuel,
Benejam Bessy,
Videla Laura,
Valldeneu Sílvia,
Pegueroles Jordi,
IllánGala Ignacio,
Garzón Diana,
Gironell Alexandre,
Escola Concepción,
Giménez Sandra,
Estellés Teresa,
Iulita M. Florencia,
Padilla Concepción,
Blesa Rafael,
Lleó Alberto,
Fortea Juan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.054986
Subject(s) - dementia , epilepsy , medicine , asymptomatic , pediatrics , disease , age of onset , alzheimer's disease , population , psychiatry , environmental health
Abstract Background Individuals with Down syndrome have a high risk of epilepsy and this risk increases with age. We aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of epileptic seizures and their link with symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Method Population‐based observational longitudinal study from the Down Alzheimer Neuroimaging Initiative. All adults with Down syndrome underwent a neurological and neuropsychological evaluation that included a structured questionnaire on epilepsy. Participants were classified as asymptomatic, prodromal AD or AD dementia patients. A subgroup had an electroencephalogram performed. Result We recruited 810 adults with Down syndrome, of whom 66.9% were asymptomatic, 7.2% had prodromal AD and 25.9% AD dementia. 143 (17.65%) had a history of epileptic seizures with a median age of onset of 41.20 years and a bimodal distribution (modes at 1 and 51 years). Clinical AD was associated with a higher risk of epileptic seizures: prevalence of 9.4% in asymptomatic individuals vs 28.04% in prodromal AD and 53.40% in AD dementia patients. Generalized tonic‐clonic seizures and myoclonic seizures were the most frequent seizure type, especially in patients with symptomatic AD. Epilepsy was associated with an earlier AD dementia diagnosis (p=0.016) and lower age at death (p=0.025). Conclusion Symptomatic AD is associated with a high risk of epileptic seizures in DS. Epilepsy in the context of Down syndrome associated Alzheimer´s disease shortens survival.