Seizures in Older Adults Research Study
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are conducting a study on seizures that begin later in life.
Fast Facts
First Seizure Occurred After Age 55 and Within the Last 3 Years
No Cause For Your Seizure Was Ever Identified
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Boston, MA
Study Background
Why do some adults develop seizures later in life?
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are studying why some people experience their first seizure after age 55, even when there’s no clear medical cause. The goal is to better understand what triggers these seizures and how they may affect long-term health, thinking, and memory.
By participating in this study, you can help advance knowledge about seizures that start later in life. The information gathered may lead to earlier detection, better treatments, and improved care for future patients.
Study Background
Why do some adults develop seizures later in life?
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are studying why some people experience their first seizure after age 55, even when there’s no clear medical cause. The goal is to better understand what triggers these seizures and how they may affect long-term health, thinking, and memory.
By participating in this study, you can help advance knowledge about seizures that start later in life. The information gathered may lead to earlier detection, better treatments, and improved care for future patients.
Additional Information
This study aims to understand what causes seizures in older adults and how these seizures may impact health, thinking, and memory over time.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- First seizure occurred after age 55 years old
- First seizure occurred within the last 3 years
- No cause for your seizure was ever identified
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of stroke, bleeding in the brain, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, prior brain surgery, or dementia
- History of or current treatment for auto-immune encephalitis
- Current consumption of 15+ servings of alcohol per week
You will complete an initial in-person visit that includes questionnaires, memory and thinking tests, a brain MRI, blood draw, and an overnight EEG study done in your home.
After the first visit, you will have follow-up visits every 6 months. These alternate between short phone call check-ins and in-person visits with questionnaires and memory testing.
Participants can receive up to $365 for completing all study visits. Parking and transportation costs (such as taxis or Ubers) will also be reimbursed.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.