Memory and Epilepsy

Memory and Epilepsy: An Intricate Link

Many people with epilepsy list memory problems as one of the most troubling in their condition. The reasons behind such cognitive problems are not well understood yet, but as with any disorder, several mechanisms could be responsible for memory deficits in epilepsy patients.

Possible Causes of Memory Dysfunction in Epilepsy

Direct Brain Damage caused by:

• Seizures: The trauma caused by multiple seizures could lead to the death of some brain cells in areas related to memory, such as the hippocampi.
• Resection: Surgical excision of brain’s tissues in an attempt to control seizures, could result in damage to areas that are essential for memory.

Epilepsy’s Effect Not Being Directly Related to Epileptic Activity:

• The usage of certain anti-seizures drugs could promote memory loss and cognitive impairment. 
• Sleep pattern: The presence of epilepsy often leads to alterations in normal sleep cycles, which over the long run could result in ineffective encoding operations and execution of cognitive processes.
• Psychological factors: Ebbinghaus’s Principles of Associationism, suggest that peripheral cognitive behaviours, such as anxiety and depression which are common in epilepsy, may lower recall efficiency. This was frequently reported in patients with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Memory Strategies:

For individuals experiencing memory inattention, maintaining consistency in any action is crucial. Established principles and measured techniques can be applied in various ways to support and manage memory function in patients with epilepsy.

Drugs: 

To effectively involve the prescribing doctor in order to maximize therapeutic interventions while minimizing confounding factors, that could have a negative impact on the patient’s memory. For patients experiencing excess effects due to the substances, it is essential to request alterations to their medications or their doses. 

Sleep Pattern: 

In order to avoid any sleep related stressors, maintain a circadian cycle of sleep and ensure a relaxing environment when needed. Moreover, avoid using devices for prolonged periods before sleeping and introduce relaxation strategies when needed.

Cognitive Activity:

Participate in efficient cognitive activities like puzzles, memory games, and skills.Cognitive functional therapy is an alternative approach that helps improve specific mental functions.

Stress Therapy:

Introduce methods such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises to your lifestyle to reduce stress. Other stress reducing methods include hypnosis and emotional self-help services, which allow better handling of emotional issues. 

Healthy Lifestyle:

Following a healthy diet plan and exercising consistently promotes a healthy mind.By recognizing the dimensions of memory loss in epilepsy and implementing the effective measures mentioned above, many individuals with epilepsy can maintain high cognitive function and quality of life.

Last but not the least, memory dysfunctions are prevalent in nearly all patients with epilepsy. However, the improvement of the main contributing factors, such as the areas of the brain where seizures arise, the incapacitating effects of the anti-epileptic drugs, and sleeping problems could enhance better cognitive function. Moreover, incorporating pharmacological treatments, lifestyle modifications and cognitive training, could positively improve memory and the quality of life for epilepsy patients.