Correlates of cognitive changes in epilepsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Correlates of cognitive changes in epilepsy
IRAS ID
269802
Contact name
John Duncan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2019/08/73, UCL Data Protection
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
For people with epilepsy, the burden on their quality of life is not limited to the seizures they suffer, but extends to psychosocial issues as well (including cognitive difficulties and comorbidities like depression). These cognitive difficulties are primarily related to memory and language-related issues, impacting on their personal life in interaction with friends and family as well as their performance in professional life. It is important to assess the role of these cognitive impairments on people's lives, the stages of life these appear in, and how these change over their life with epilepsy. Importantly, we need to investigate whether any factors are driving these issues. In particular, two main treatments that aim to stop the seizures - anti-epileptic medication and surgical intervention - have strong modifying effects on these cognitive issue. Over the years our group has done multiple prospective research studies into how some of these treatments affect specific cognitive performance. At this time, to obtain a more complete understanding in the broader population of patients who attend our clinics, a large retrospective population study is essential.
In this research project we intend to use existing clinical and non-clinical data (including imaging, cognitive scores, patient history) to assess which patient-related factors are associated with cognitive changes over time, with the main scientific aim to determine which factors can predict decline. We expect this to translate into improvements in two clinical aims of: 1) changing treatment strategies to minimize adverse cognitive effects of these treatments, and 2) better inform individual future patients, so they can make informed decisions on their own treatment choices and coordinate any needed support accordingly.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0149
Date of REC Opinion
20 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion