2023 Hoyer Lecture in Epilepsy: Cognitive Comorbidities in Epilepsy-Mechanisms/Potential Therapies

Researchers and Practitioners know little about how neuronal circuit disruptions in epilepsy generate the constellation of symptoms defining epilepsy, including seizures, cognitive dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. Cognitive and affective disruptions have been described by patients as among the most debilitating symptoms of epilepsy. Despite this, we know little about how the neuronal circuit disruptions underlying epilepsy development generate these co-occurring conditions, and even less about how to treat these integral aspects of epilepsy. Current therapies for epilepsy are anti-seizure drugs, which target seizures only. None are efficacious in treating co-occurring conditions, and some may even exacerbate these symptoms.
In this presentation, neuronal circuits integral in cognition and effect are discussed and examined through the lens of disturbances in these circuits evident in both humans and experimental models of epilepsy. Novel experimental therapies targeting these circuit mechanisms are discussed as potential therapies for cognitive and affective disruptions. Audience members learn information relevant to current and future practice, relevant to mechanisms and treatment of these debilitating co-occurring conditions.
Learning Objectives:
Following participation in this activity, participants will be able to:
Describe how neuronal circuit disruptions associated with epilepsy contribute to the generation of co-occurring, debilitating symptoms
Define how knowledge of these mechanisms driving generation of co-occurring symptoms can facilitate development of broader therapies targeting more than seizures
Describe how new experimental, neuron-specific therapies have significant promise as future directions in epilepsy treatment
Program:
Cognitive Comorbidities in Epilepsy: Mechanisms and Potential Therapies | Douglas Coulter, PhD; Amy Brooks-Kayal, MD, FAAN, FANA, FAES; and Jaideep Kapur, MD, PhD, FAES