Epilepsy is characterized by short, recurrent attacks of motor, sensory, or psychological malfunction. It affects about 1%of the entire world’s population. Epilepsy is better known as seizures, or when the muscles of the body contract uncontrollably. There are many causes, such as; brain damage, toxins, metabolic disturbances, and head injury. A very common trigger for an epileptic episode is flashing lights. There are medications available that can reduce or eliminate one’s epilepsy.
While Epilepsy is a very serious disorder, it can be treated. However, new studies suggest that the continuance of seizures late into life could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s Disease(AD). The research suggests that patients with Epilepsy could endure much more severe effects from AD than patients without Epilepsy. There is roughly a five to seven year difference in the occurrence of cognitive decline between epileptics and non-epileptics. Epileptic patients can expect to see more neuronal damage, faster onset of symptoms, and a much faster rate of cognitive decline from AD.
In conclusion, Epilepsy is a serious condition that can lead to even more harmful diseases. The recent study has discovered a link between being epileptic and a faster development of AD. Epilepsy in the earlier stages of life does not seem to affect the intelligence or normal functions of one’s brain. However, over the period of sixty years, it has shown to cause more severe Alzheimer’s. There will very likely be more research done into both disorders and possibly cures or treatments developed. Neuronal-based sciences are still in a very early stage, and there are likely many discoveries ahead.
Tortora, Gerard J. Bryan Derrickson. A&P; principles of anatomy & physiology 13th edition. John Wiley & Sons, inc. 2011. Chapter 12. Nervous Tissue. Page 486.
The JAMA Network Journals. “Seizures late in life may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.” ScienceDaily, 8 Jul. 2013. Web. 1 Dec. 2013.