Our research project aims to uncover how long-term use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) and/or potentially epileptogenesis-modifying drugs (PEMDs) impacts brain health and cognitive functions-like memory and thinking-and the potential risk of developing dementia. We plan to explore:
– If and how chronic use of ASMs and/or PEMDs affects the rate at which the brain might undergo changes or atrophy, a condition where the brain tissue decreases over time.
– Whether specific ASMs and/or PEMDs have a more pronounced effect on brain health and cognitive abilities than others.
– The possibility that some ASMs and/or PEMDs could protect against cognitive decline and brain atrophy.
– The impact of ASMs and/or PEMDs on the likelihood of developing dementia, especially following epilepsy or stroke
– How ASMs and/or PEMDs affect healthy individuals in terms of cognitive function and overall brain health, compared to those not taking any ASMs.
Our project is built on the understanding that while ASMs and/or PEMDs are crucial for managing seizures, their long-term effects on the brain are not fully understood. This research is timely and significant, as it addresses the urgent need to balance seizure control with the preservation of cognitive and brain health.
Over the next few years, we will conduct a thorough analysis involving participants from various groups, including those with epilepsy, stroke survivors, and healthy controls, to compare the effects of different types of ASMs and/or PEMDs on cognitive decline, brain structure, and the risk of dementia. This approach will allow us to pinpoint the influence of medication type, dosage, and treatment duration.
The findings of this study have the potential to significantly impact public health by informing safer, more effective treatment strategies that consider both seizure management and the preservation of cognitive health. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance the quality of life for individuals taking ASMs and/or PEMDs and contribute to the development of guidelines that ensure treatments are as beneficial and harm-free as possible.