Suboptimal seizure control is associated with increased risk of MCI among Adult Patients with Epilepsy

Background Epilepsy is associated with increased risk for dementia, which adversely impacts the quality of life for patients and their families. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the prodromal stage of dementia offering an important window for intervention. However, the epilepsy related risk factors for MCI are not well understood. The ongoing Mild Cognitive Impairment among Adult Patients with Epilepsy (MCAPE) study is a longitudinal study evaluating the prevalence and risk factors for MCI amongst adult patients with epilepsy (PWE). This summarizes the interim findings. Method Adult PWE were recruited from outpatient clinics at a tertiary centre, the National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore. Patients with previous stroke, known dementia, or intellectual disability were excluded. Participants underwent a self‐administered questionnaire on their lifestyle risk factors and epilepsy‐specific factors, followed by cognitive testing with the Mini Mental State Assessment (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). A MOCA cut‐off of