Ambulatory EEGs May Help Diagnose Seizures in Dementia Patients

Source: Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association

Summary

Researchers studied the use of a specific type of brain test called ambulatory EEG in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. They looked at around 450 cases from a single center between January 2023 and December 2024. The goal was to understand how often subtle seizures or unusual brain activity occurred in these patients and whether the EEG results changed their treatment plans.

The key findings showed that many patients with MCI or dementia had abnormal brain activity that could suggest seizures, even if they had no previous history of epilepsy. The longer duration of the ambulatory EEGs allowed for more detailed observations compared to standard EEGs. This means that these tests might help identify issues that could be missed otherwise, potentially leading to changes in how patients are managed.

This research is important because it highlights the need for better guidelines on when to use ambulatory EEGs in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the connection between cognitive changes and brain activity can help doctors provide better care. However, since this study was done at just one center and looked back at past cases, more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish clear recommendations for using EEGs in these patients.

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