Investigating the link between late-onset epilepsy and dementia risk

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research focuses on individuals who develop epilepsy after the age of 55 without a known cause, known as late-onset unexplained epilepsy (LoUE). The study aims to understand how LoUE increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By enrolling 600 participants, researchers will explore the underlying mechanisms and identify risk factors that contribute to dementia in these patients. The goal is to create personalized assessments and targeted therapies to help prevent dementia in those affected by LoUE.

Why it matters

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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11299550

• Late-onset unexplained epilepsy and dementia risk

  This project looks at people who start having unexplained seizures after age 55 to find which individuals are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11298920

• Impact of vascular risk factors on dementia and stroke in older adults with late-onset epilepsy

  This study is looking at how things like high blood pressure and cholesterol might affect older adults with late-onset epilepsy, helping us understand their risk for dementia and stroke, so we can find better ways to keep their brains healthy and improve their care.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11049120

• Investigating late-onset unexplained epilepsy as a risk factor for dementia

  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.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-10914980

• Investigating how DNA damage and repair mechanisms are altered in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.

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  NIH research Methodist Hospital Research Institute · Houston, United States · NIH-9980670

• Synthetic protein mimetics to treat Lewy Body Dementia

  A new therapeutic approach using engineered protein-like molecules to block the harmful protein clumps that cause Lewy Body Dementia.

  NIH research University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · Denver, United States · NIH-11641877

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.