Can Alzheimer’s Cause Seizures?

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition, can indeed elevate the risk of seizures in affected individuals. This risk increase can range from two to six times the normal risk. Approximately 10% to 26% of all Alzheimer’s patients will encounter some form of seizure during the course of their illness, whether these seizures are readily apparent or not. While the precise triggers for these seizures remain undiscovered, certain factors can make some individuals more susceptible than others.

There are various types of seizures observed in people with Alzheimer's disease:

Partial Complex Seizures: In this type of seizure, a patient may become unaware of their surroundings and engage in unconscious actions such as fumbling, wandering, or lip-smacking.

Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures: This type involves all-body convulsions, often accompanied by an abrupt loss of consciousness and bladder control.

The duration of these seizures typically ranges from 30 seconds to two minutes. When a seizure extends beyond five minutes, it is referred to as status epilepticus.

Alzheimer’s disease is primarily characterized by the gradual accumulation of a protein called beta-amyloid in the brain, leading to progressive brain damage. While many may associate seizures with this brain degeneration, they are generally a consequence of the build-up of beta-amyloid in the brain.

Certain risk factors can heighten the likelihood of seizures occurring in Alzheimer’s patients:

• Early-onset Alzheimer’s.

• Genetic mutations in genes like presenilin 1 and 2, which are linked to the overproduction of amyloid precursor protein (APP).

The severity and frequency of seizures often correlate with the stage of Alzheimer’s disease. However, not all Alzheimer’s patients will experience seizures, and they tend to become more common in the later stages. In some instances, the symptoms of an Alzheimer’s-related seizure may be mistaken for the underlying Alzheimer's condition itself.

If you are a caregiver for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and suspect they may be experiencing seizures due to their condition, it is crucial to seek professional consultation. Learning how to provide assistance during such episodes can make a significant difference in the quality of care and support you can offer to your loved one.