Neurofrailty: A study of late-onset epilepsy and its associations.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective population-based longitudinal observational cohort study of late-onset epilepsy, and subsequent stroke and dementia.
IRAS ID
288703
Contact name
Jasmine Wall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Late-onset epilepsy is associated with increased risk of subsequent stroke and dementia. The greatest support for these associations comes from retrospective studies of non-dedicated data. In order to more robustly establish an association, we propose a prospective cohort study, observing cross-sectional prevalence of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease at the time of presentation, and subsequent changes in risk factors and cognitive assessment. This will be preceded by a short retrospective study to establish logistics of data collection.
Identifying the underlying mechanisms and better understanding the natural history of late-onset epilepsy is likely to be key to harnessing the potential for stroke prevention in this population.
This study also provides an opportunity to qualitatively characterize the population of people with late-onset epilepsy in terms of the effects of epilepsy on parameters which indirectly affect cerebrovascular risk such as driving, employment, family planning and mental health. These factors have implications for influencing appropriate medication choices and investigations at the time of diagnosis, and can allow us to identify research and treatment goal priorities for people.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0781
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jan 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion