New memory treatment program for persons with epilepsy
Memory deficits are the most frequently-measured cognitive impairments in epilepsy patients (1). The prevalence of memory problems in patients with refractory epilepsy has been estimated to be as high as 20 to 50% (2). In fact, more than 50% of the patients who are referred for neuropsychological assessment report memory difficulties in daily life (2).
In order to address this very troubling complaint, earlier this year, the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group began offering its patients a six-week group program that focuses on learning about memory processes and providing training in use of compensatory strategies for improvement of memory functions in everyday life.
Why do epilepsy and memory problems seem to go together and is there anything that can be done about this?
Memory deficits are the most frequently-measured cognitive impairments in epilepsy patients (1). The prevalence of memory problems in patients with refractory epilepsy has been estimated to be as high as 20 to 50% (2). In fact, more than 50% of the patients who are referred for neuropsychological assessment report memory difficulties in daily life (2).
1 Hendriks, M., Aldenkamp, A. Van der Vlugt, H., Alpherts, W., & Vermeulen, J. (2002). Memory complaints in medically refractory epilepsy: Relationship to epilepsy-related factors. Epilepsy & Behavior, 3, 165-172
2 Halgren, E, Stapleton, J., Domalski T., Swartz B., Delgado-Excueta A., & Walsh G. (1991). Memory Dysfunction in epilepsy: Patient as a derangement of normal physiology. In: Smith D., Treiman D., & Trimble, M. editors. Advances in neurology: Neurobehavioral problems in epilepsy, vol. 55. New York: Raven Press
Why do patients with epilepsy experience memory problems?
There are actually several reasons for this. First, seizures often originate from parts of the brain that are important for memory. The temporal lobes and the hippocampi are known as the “seats of memory” and are involved in learning and retrieving information. The frontal lobes are involved in attention and organization processes, which are also important for learning and retrieving information.
Seizures can affect memory functioning because in order for memory to work properly, the brain needs continuous self-monitoring. This self-monitoring system is disrupted during a seizure. A loss of consciousness can interfere with normal brain processes, disrupting the encoding and storage of new information. The confusion that can occur following a seizure can also prevent memory from working and storing new information properly. Some people with epilepsy can experience abnormal electrical activity within the brain even in-between seizures. This can also affect attention and memory functioning. Some anti-epileptic medications may interfere with memory functioning, as they can affect the speed at which the brain can process and therefore store information.
In addition to these direct epilepsy factors, elevated levels of depression and anxiety symptoms (which are experienced by a high number of patients with epilepsy) often further exacerbate problems with attention and memory.
Is there anything I can do to improve my memory functions in my daily life?
Earlier this year, the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group began offering its patients a six-week group program that focuses on learning about memory processes and providing training in use of compensatory strategies for improvement of memory functions in everyday life. The goals of the group are:
• To enhance understanding of memory processes and the ways that epilepsy can affect it
• To develop and consistently use compensatory memory techniques
• To clarify understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses in cognition
• To improve planning, organization, and time management skills
Weekly topics include:
• How memory works
• Improving attention
• Memory strategies
• Improving organizational skills
• Patients are asked to do homework that is applied to their regular daily life and is discussed the following week.
Locations, times, and dates:
Neuroscience Conference Room at Overlook Hospital, Summit, NJ: Tuesdays from 3:30PM-4:30PM Starting 11/9/10, with a new group starting every two months
NEREG Hackensack Office, Suite 800 at the Medical Plaza of Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ: Mondays from 4PM-5PM Starting 11/1/10, with a new group starting every two months
NEREG White Plains Office at 333 Westchester Avenue, Suite E104
White Plains, NY: Thursdays from 2:30-3:30PM. Starting in January of 2011.
NEREG Middletown Office at Wallkill Medical Arts Building,,390 Crystal Run Road
Suite 102, Middletown, NY: Starting in January of 2011.
NEREG Staten Island office at 737 Castleton Ave
Staten Island, NY 10310. Starting mid January of 2011.
Please contact either Dr. Lebeau at klebeau@epilepsygroup.com or Dr. Trobliger at rtrobliger@epilepsygroup.com for more details