Can long term epilepsy lead to the onset of dementia?

[Adlon57]

I have had epilepsy for over 45 years, could all my 'bumping' and 'banging' around bring on dementia? I have been tested for Parkinson's, clear, but there are other 'forms' of dementia?

[EpilepsyInst]

Dear Adlon 57, there are a number of different forms of dementia, Alzheimer's disease being the most common (alzheimers.org.uk/site/scri.... Evidence shows that people who have dementia are at an increased risk of developing epilepsy, but it does not appear to be directly the case the other way around (the memory loss often seen in epilepsy is different to dementia). Traumatic brain injury has been shown to increase the risk of dementia, but factors such as the speed, intensity and mechanisms of the injury all play a major part. If you are concerned I recommend recommend that you speak to your doctor, but if you are feeling well and you/your family haven't noticed any change in your memory functioning in recent months, it is a good sign. All the best ERUK_RI

[Adlon57 in reply to EpilepsyInst]

ERUK

It is having epilepsy for over 45 years, having over 400 major seizures in that time, the 'bashing' around, and the long term side effects of the medication I have been taking over the years. I had a slight stroke eight years ago, my memory capacity has decreased from that point, no pub quizs! I had a DAT scan which proved I do not have Parkinson's [my father did] I have never been 'healthy' over my whole life, my intelligence, essentially my only real compensation. I know my lack of speed of mathematical equations is not due to Dementia, it is a long term side effect of actual epilepsy [plus I am now no spring bunny, [just saw my 60th] My motto "Adapt through Adversity"

[Coastwalker]

Some higher (safe) doses of vitamins and minerals can help relieve or even cure many types of illnesses or symptoms.

Try googling 'vitamin cures for epilepsy'

There are quite a few vitamin deficiency links to epilepsy, vitamin D is just one, but you need to check it out or 'google' it yourself.

You mentioned Dementia and Parkinsons both are connected with B12 Deficiency, B12 deficiency can give you 'brain fog' as can 'low thyroid' (Hypothyroidism)

I see there is also a connection with some epilepsy patients also having 'low thyroid' maybe something else to look into, though Doctor's are not good with diagnosing B12 deficiency or low thyroid either, but both 'Thyroid UK' and 'PAS' (also for B12 Deficiency) both Forum sites are here on 'Health Unlocked.'

Also taking statins i know for a fact, can cause dementia type symptoms, so hopefully you are not taking any statins for high cholesterol ?

[Adlon57 in reply to Coastwalker]

Have been on B12 500 for about two weeks, asking GP [although probably not an expert in that field] about effects of B12. Essentially want to increase my dosage of those. Neurological experts in Northern Ireland are a very rare breed, waiting times can be a couple of years. My high activity levels have now been thrown now into the ring, researching a book for 7 years does not help, although finished researching and getting to easier bit, getting published [got a publisher]

Was on Statins for about nine months, ended up taking medication for the side effects of statins, extreme tiredness, lethargic, sore muscles, high [and low?] blood pressure, etc. One of my better side effects was getting off the b####y things! I recently found [three days ago] I was taking taking double my dosage of blood pressure pills, changes are happening, all for the best I hope.

I need to get out and get about, widen my wings a bit?

[Coastwalker in reply to Adlon57]

It is quite well known that Statins deplete your CoQ10 in your body Adlon57, so do look into that one and if it were me I would be supplementing some Coq10. (Some CoQ10's are better than others.)

My family and friends are actually on vitamin B12 5000iu sublingual, where it goes straight into the blood stream. You cannot overdose as any not needed is wasted out of your body.

Sore muscles, tiredness, etc can be the side effect of the statin, but if you still are feeling extreme tiredness do consider getting your thyroid checked and always ask for a printout of your blood result and the ranges too. Doctors are known to over look/miss thyroid patients, but being a thyroid patient you learn to read thyroid bloods and know if you are OK or not. Also there is a Thyroid link to epilepsy, not saying it is for all epilepsy, but might be worth looking into.

Low thyroid has been scientifically linked to all sorts of conditions like Bi polar, Autism, Anxiety, depression, tourettes, baby blues and more. So might be worth doing some googling on 'Low Thyroid and Epilepsy'

Some with Autism can also have epilepsy and in an Autism Parenting magazine it mentioned that as high as three quarters might have the low thyroid connection too, also there is a low/deficient vitamin D connection to those with autism too.

Much is starting to link up these days, but don't expect Doctors to know or agree as it is all new stuff coming out within the last two years or more and Doctors have their guidelines to follow.

Also having a high cholesterol can point to having 'low thyroid' (Hypothyroidism) Doctors years ago, before thyroid bloods were done knew that high cholesterol pointed to low thyroid and would treat with Natural Desiccated Thyroid, until the cholesterol returned back to normal and you felt normal again. (high cholesterol has an inverse effect on low thyroid,) I'm wondering if maybe now that you are off the statin, your cholesterol has risen again, so definitely worth getting your Thyroid bloods done. You can do finger prick blood tests at home, we have done so and get the printed out results via quick email. Don't worry about having high cholesterol as now Heart doctors themselves are reporting it is those with Low or Normal cholesterol levels who are dying of heart problems, those with high cholesterol are better off.

Google :- The Great Cholesterol Con, by Dr Malcolm Kendrick.

Also there are natural cures for high blood pressure, prescribed blood pressure pills can do more ills, we got my Mum off of hers. Also any prescribed medication for side effects of Statins I would be wary of, look into those too. Unless it is the CoQ10 you have been given.

Doctors rarely tell us that vitamins, minerals and nutrition can help cure us.

[Adlon57 in reply to Coastwalker]

I have been off the statins for about 9 months now, brilliant, as a result my cholesterol has actually gone down, [able to do more exercise, exercise bike as well], blood pressure measured recently, good. Once your on those blood pressure pills your stuck with them rest of your life, but I am now on a lower dosage. Certainly in the last year, I am a lot healthier, fitter as well. Ok my weight is still high, but at least it is not ALL fat.

The muscle weakness, extreme tiredness I have had as long as I can remember, taken for granted it is side effects of epilepsy medication. Get back to normal every day with a good shower. My epilepsy, is probably a direct side effect of NF2 I also have scholisis, another side known effect of the rare condition, 1-35,000.

It is good to see there has been some research in relevant medication, eg for epilepsy, but the neurological medical care, is positively medieval in Northern Ireland.

I will definitely look more into the thyroid connection.

Thanks!

[Coastwalker in reply to Adlon57]

As well as the low thyroid homework also look into B12 Deficiency. Neurological can be linked to vitamin B12 Deficiency.

You sounds far better though

[Adlon57 in reply to Coastwalker]

I think it is more the fear of actually having some sort of dementia that really frightens me, the occasional depression 'period' caused by the epilepsy and other medication, is the real 'downer'? I should get out more, meet people, as I am living on my own, inside most of the time, would probably help!

I have never liked taking any sort of 'medication' at all, always try to lower them by medical advice of course. Two years ago I was taking 9 pills a day, including statins, it is now down to seven, it would have been less but I had to change from one large 500 epilim pill {stuck in my gullet} to two 200 and a 100 pill, cannot really help with actual size supplied by medical companies.

Even my diet is improving, my nephew is a fitness instructor.

[Coastwalker]

Getting out in the fresh air and meeting people is good for our whole well being along with getting a bit of vitamin D from the sunshine.

My Mum gave up her 'life long' blood pressure pills as did a friend of mine, never say never, do check out the side effects of those pills and have a look at other forms of lowering your blood pressure naturally.

Your diet and getting fit is a positive way forward too, lucky you have nephew to help