Epilepsy symptoms and the prescription of antiseizure medications are more common in FTD than Alzheimer’s disease, as reported in a study published in JAMA Neurology. The study sheds light on the risk of these symptoms in FTD and the potential overlap of the biological mechanisms of FTD and epilepsy.

Epilepsy in FTD Can Begin Years Before Diagnosis

The authors of the study compared data from people with FTD, people with Alzheimer’s disease, and a control group of people without either disorder. They examined the prevalence of epilepsy and the use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) at four different periods: ten and five years before diagnosis, the year of diagnosis, and five years post-diagnosis.

Overall, people with FTD were more likely to experience symptoms of epilepsy. Signs of epilepsy could begin 10 years before diagnosis, with the rate of cases increasing over time. The difference between FTD and the control group was statistically significant for all time periods, while the difference between FTD and Alzheimer’s was only significant for some periods. In the years before diagnosis, people with Alzheimer’s disease were considerably less likely to experience epilepsy symptoms.

When reviewing drug purchases, the authors similarly found that people with FTD were more likely to obtain ASMs over time.

More Research Needed to Understand Connection Between FTD and Epilepsy

While the authors found evidence that epilepsy symptoms are more common in FTD, their data also suggests that an increased mortality rate was not associated with it. However, the authors note that, because seizure symptoms are diverse and some can be hard to recognize, the occurrence of seizures in disorders like FTD may be underestimated.

The symptoms of seizures can also be similar to the heterogeneous features of FTD, with the study listing altered responsiveness and changes in speech or behavior as overlapping symptoms. The authors also found indications that epilepsy and FTD might be more strongly linked than is currently known; their data suggests the dysfunction that leads to FTD and epilepsy overlaps. However, more research is needed to better understand the connection between the two disorders.

Authors Used 10 Years’ Worth of Data from Medical Centers

To obtain data on the occurrence of epilepsy, FTD, and Alzheimer’s, the authors turned to data from a clinical trial being conducted in Finland. The data used in the study were originally collected between 2010 and 2021, and were provided by patient registries. Data on the use of ASMs was collected from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution. The authors then analyzed their data using a specialized program and performed checks to ensure their results were accurate.

Learn More About Managing FTD Symptoms

AFTD offers resources to help families navigate the wide variety of symptoms that can develop with FTD. Learn more about the diverse signs of FTD by visiting our Navigating FTD Symptoms page. Putting together a care team of specialists can help families manage FTD symptoms; learn more at our Coordinating Care page.

Do you have questions about FTD symptoms, or need to talk to someone who understands what you are going through? AFTD’s HelpLine is here for you; contact the HelpLine at 1-866-507-7222 or info@theaftd.org.