Prevalence of epilepsy and sleep-wake disturbances in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common of the neurodegenerative diseases.  Epilepsy and sleep-wake disturbances are co-morbid conditions of AD, and there is evidence to suggest that the interactions are bidirectional. Neuronal activity promotes the production and secretion of Aβ, which could actually drive pathogenesis early in the course of AD, and has been described in sleep-wake disturbances and epilepsy. Epileptic seizures in AD are often subtle, nocturnal and overlooked. We propose a prospective study using long-term EEG monitoring in combination with polysomnography to diagnose epilepsy and sleep-wake disturbances in AD, and correlate these findings with clinical data, AD biomarkers and imaging studies (MRI and amyloid/tau-PET). In selected patients, we will perform EEG studies with foramen ovale electrodes. Our aim is to develop a wearable tool for reliable, multimodal EEG and sleep monitoring in the home setting. Our ultimate goal is to improve the outcome of patients with AD by early treatment of epilepsy and restoring sleep-wake disturbances.

Keywords:Long-term EEG monitoring, Epilepsy, Sleep-wake disturbance, Alzheimer disease, Foramen ovale electrodes, Wearable device, Sleep, EEG

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences