Investigating late-onset unexplained epilepsy as a risk factor for dementia
Official title: Late-onset Unexplained Epilepsy as a Risk Factor for Dementia
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10914980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how late-onset unexplained epilepsy in people over 55 might raise the chances of developing Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, so we can find out who is most at risk and create better treatments to help them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,677,018 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130119-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 55 and older who have been diagnosed with late-onset unexplained epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset epilepsy or those with a known cause for their epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on late-onset unexplained epilepsy (LoUE), which occurs in individuals over 55 years old without a known cause. The study aims to understand how LoUE increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing clinical features, biomarkers, and cognitive outcomes, the researchers hope to identify which patients are at the highest risk for dementia and develop targeted therapies to prevent it. This approach emphasizes personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing dementia in patients with late-onset unexplained epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between epilepsy and increased dementia risk, but this specific approach to understanding late-onset unexplained epilepsy is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lam, Alice D — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lam, Alice D
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.