A groundbreaking initiative is taking on the dual challenge of epilepsy and dementia in older adults, addressing a critical gap in support services. The Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program (HAP-E) aims to empower patients and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to manage these complex conditions and improve quality of life.
Dr. Anny Reyes, a neuropsychologist at Cleveland Clinic's Epilepsy Center, leads this innovative project, which is backed by a substantial career development award. She emphasizes the need to provide comprehensive support, as the link between epilepsy and dementia is bidirectional, with each condition increasing the risk of the other.
But here's where it gets controversial: the relationship between these conditions is still not fully understood. Dr. Reyes, an early-career investigator, has contributed significantly to this field, but she acknowledges the need for more research. "It's a relatively new area of study, and we must delve deeper to comprehend the intricacies," she says.
The pilot project aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical care, translating emerging insights into practical tools for patients. This is crucial because, despite the high prevalence of both conditions in older adults, there are limited resources for those managing epilepsy and dementia simultaneously.
And this is the part most people miss: while excellent support programs exist for each condition individually, the intersection of these two conditions has been largely overlooked. Dr. Reyes emphasizes, "We must provide patients and caregivers with the means to address both conditions effectively."
The new program will feature weekly small-group education and discussion sessions, covering a range of topics from early warning signs to seizure management and cognitive changes. The Cleveland Clinic team is currently gathering feedback from patients and stakeholders to tailor the program to their needs, with plans to launch in the fall of 2026.
Dr. Reyes hopes to serve 80 participants over two years and eventually make HAP-E accessible to other epilepsy centers, ensuring a wider reach. Beyond patient education, she advocates for more research to explore the link between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the exclusion of patients with seizure histories from clinical trials and the resulting lack of data.
"As our geriatric population grows, so will the number of older adults with epilepsy and cognitive decline. We hope this project will better equip us to meet their unique needs," Dr. Reyes concludes.
So, what do you think? Is this initiative a step in the right direction? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
