Late-onset unexplained epilepsy: What are we missing?

Epilepsy Behav. 2019 Oct:99:106478. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106478. Epub 2019 Aug 31.

Abstract

With the aging of the US population, the incidence of epilepsy will increase, with 25 to 50% of new cases with no identifiable etiology diagnosed as late-onset unexplained epilepsy (LOUE). In the current targeted review, we discuss the possible role of cerebral small vessel ischemic disease, accumulation of amyloidβ and hyperphosphorylated tau, and sleep apnea as potential pathophysiologic mechanisms explaining LOUE. We highlight the impact of these processes on cognition and avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Amyloid; Cerebral small vessel disease; Geriatric epilepsy; Late-onset unexplained epilepsy; Sleep apnea; Tau, aging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Epilepsy / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Late Onset Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Late Onset Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Late Onset Disorders / metabolism
  • tau Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • MAPT protein, human
  • tau Proteins