EFFECT OF SEIZURES ON PROGRESSION OF DEMENTIA OF THE ALZHEIMER-TYPE

A survey of instutionalized patients with clinical diagnosis of probab le dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) indicated that 21% of patients developed seizures after the onset of DAT. Of the total of 27 patient s, 11 developed seizures at home and 16 after institutionalization. In 9 of the 11 patients (82%), who suffered the initial seizure at home, the patients' condition suddenly worsened and required long-term care admission within 6 months of the seizure onset. Language function dec lined significantly more rapidly in 5 patients with seizures than in c ontrols matched by age and duration of DAT.