Cognitive deterioration in adult epilepsy: clinical characteristics of “Accelerated Cognitive Ageing”

Abstract

A subgroup of patients with localization-related epilepsy exhibits cognitive decline characterized by deterioration in PIQ and FSIQ, but with preserved higher order functions (VIQ and memory). Patients typically have epilepsia tarda, comorbid pathology, relatively low educational level and older age. These are factors known to increase the vulnerability of the brain by diminishing cognitive reserve. Cognitive deterioration may develop according to a stepwise "second-hit model", affecting and accelerating the cognitive ageing process.