Researchers have discovered that individuals who had epilepsy as children tend to build up more amyloid in their brains later in life, which could elevate their risk of developing age-related amyloid-related issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
A joint research effort by teams at the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University in Finland, and the University of Wisconsin in the US has revealed that people who experienced childhood epilepsy tend to have increased levels of brain amyloid as they age. This accumulation may make them more vulnerable to developing late-onset amyloid-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The presence of beta-amyloid protein in the brain is recognized as an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease; however, the exact reasons behind this amyloid build-up remain unclear.
This study originates from a unique population-based cohort set up by child neurologist Matti Sillanpää, who is currently a Professor Emeritus. He continues to oversee this cohort, which has monitored the health and social outcomes of individuals who had childhood epilepsy since the early 1960s, along with matched control subjects since 1992. Regular follow-ups have been conducted in collaboration with both local and global researchers as part of the TACOE project.
The latest research examined the levels of brain amyloid accumulation in individuals approaching retirement or already retired, including a control group.
In the previous phase of the study (2013-2016), after 50 years of observation, it was revealed that individuals with childhood epilepsy had a greater occurrence of amyloid plaques in their brains compared to the control group.
“This was a significant discovery on a global scale, and it was uncertain if this unusual amyloid accumulation would continue, further raising these individuals’ risk for memory issues. This prompted our current research,” stated Juho Joutsa, Professor of Neurology at the University of Turku, and one of the study’s leads.
Increased risk of abnormal amyloid build-up in individuals with childhood epilepsy
The current research was conducted about seven years after the last evaluation, with participants aged between 60 and 65. The study involved 82 percent of the original group, consisting of 36 individuals who had childhood epilepsy and 35 control subjects.
Among the participants with childhood epilepsy, roughly one-third displayed abnormal amyloid accumulation, in contrast to only 11 percent in the control group. Over the seven years, those with childhood epilepsy showed a greater build-up of amyloid in their brains compared to the control subjects. Furthermore, participants from the epilepsy group performed worse on cognitive tests, although this was not linked to the total amount of amyloid plaques.
“This suggests that even with amyloid accumulating in the brain, it hasn’t yet led to memory disorders,” Joutsa elaborates.
A distinctive cohort study for observing long-term changes
This unique cohort has provided essential insights into childhood epilepsy and its prolonged effects over several years.
Technological progress in brain imaging, allowing for studies on amyloid pathology, came long after the cohort was established. Professor Juho Joutsa, a recently graduated physician, joined the project for brain imaging analysis in the early 2010s.
The results offer groundbreaking insights into the long-term impacts of childhood epilepsy on the brain, and monitoring will persist.
“This study showcases what can be achieved scientifically through the commitment of both participants and researchers over the long haul, along with interdisciplinary and generational cooperation,” Joutsa concludes.
