Perampanel May Help Control Seizures in Alzheimer’s Patients

Source: Expert review of neurotherapeutics

Summary

Researchers studied the connection between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy, focusing on how these two conditions can affect each other. They looked at clinical studies published from January 2015 to December 2024 that included patients with both AD and epilepsy. The study also examined the role of a specific type of medication called perampanel, which targets certain receptors in the brain that are thought to be involved in both diseases.

The key finding is that perampanel, which blocks AMPA receptors, may help improve seizure control in patients who have both Alzheimer's and epilepsy. While the evidence is still limited, some studies suggest that this medication could be particularly helpful for certain groups of patients, such as those experiencing myoclonus (sudden muscle jerks), sleep problems, or difficulties sticking to their medication plans. This suggests that perampanel could be a promising option for managing seizures in these patients.

This research is important because it highlights a potential treatment for a challenging combination of conditions that often occur together. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution, as more research is needed to fully understand how effective perampanel is for all patients with AD-comorbid epilepsy. Additionally, treatment plans should always be tailored to individual needs, and healthcare providers should consider the unique circumstances of each patient.

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