Clinical Trials | Research Study for People living with Dementia and their Care partners - Understanding the Connection Between Epilepsy and Dementia

The Department of Neurology seeks people for a research study with mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease who do not have a diagnosis of epilepsy. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease are at higher risk of developing epilepsy, which can lead to faster cognitive decline. The relationship between dementia and epilepsy is not very well understood. The purpose of the study is to better understand the relationship between epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. This is important because, if we identify those with high risk of developing epilepsy, we can treat them in a timely fashion. Study involves a 24-hour EEG which is a painless test that records activity in the brain using small sensors that are placed on the head. The person living with dementia will stay in the EEG lab for about 4 hours after the EEG sensors are applied before going home. The next day, participants return to the clinic to have the EEG sensors removed. There is also a brief interview, and a small sample of blood will be drawn for genetic testing (2-hour study visit). Study-related exams are provided at no cost.