Accelerated Long-Term Forgetting in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Accelerated Long-Term Forgetting in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Assessment using the WMS-IV with Extended Procedures
IRAS ID
130772
Contact name
Matthew Jones Chesters
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East London
Research summary
The study aim is to examine the validity of a widely-used measure of memory function (the recently updated Wechlser Memory Scale, version 4; WMS4)in capturing the memory difficulties that people with epilepsy often report. In particular, we will address the phenomenon termed ‘Accelerated Long-term Forgetting’ (ALF), using adaptations to the standard test procedures.
Epilepsy patients often complain of memory problems. More specifically, Epilepsy patients have been found to have a memory deficit called ‘accelerated long-term forgetting’ (ALF): where there is good short-term and long-term memory function over the medium term (minutes and hours), but rapid and abnormal decline in memory over longer periods (days or weeks). There is currently no reliable way of measuring ALF, and no validated neuropsychological tests for this purpose.
Participants with Epilepsy will be invited to take part in an adapted neuropsychological assessment that aims to capture these memory difficulties. In addition to the standard administration of the WMS4, we will incorporate an ’extended delay’ procedure, where the participant will be asked for memory recall one week after the learning phase. A matched group of non-patient control participants will also be assessed to provide comparison data.
This research will provide the first UK data on the sensitivity of the WMS4 to memory problems in this clinical group. In addition, the novel procedures have the potential to provide clinician with a means of of measuring harder-to-detect memory difficulties. Accordingly the research will be of benefit to individuals with Epilepsy, to clinicians assessing the needs of patients in Epilepsy Services, and to the psychological literature on the nature of human memory.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1582
Date of REC Opinion
27 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion