Seizures in Older Adults Research Study
Researchers are conducting the ELUCID study in adults over 55 to understand why some people develop seizures later in life and how these seizures may affect memory, thinking, and overall health.
Fast Facts
Experienced a First Seizure In The Past 3 Years With No Clear Cause
Adults 55+
Compensation
Provided Up To $365
Conducted in Multiple Cities & Institutions
Study Background
Researchers are conducting the ELUCID study in adults over 55 to understand late-onset seizures, why they happen, and how they affect memory, thinking, and overall health.
Seizures that begin later in life, after age 55, can affect memory, thinking, and overall health, and the reasons why these seizures occur are not fully understood. We aim to learn more about the causes of late-onset seizures and how they impact cognitive function and daily life. We also want to understand how these seizures develop over time so that we can find ways to support older adults in maintaining their health and quality of life.
Eventually, the findings of this study may help improve the understanding, treatment, and management of late-onset seizures and support better health outcomes for older adults.
Study Background
Researchers are conducting the ELUCID study in adults over 55 to understand late-onset seizures, why they happen, and how they affect memory, thinking, and overall health.
Seizures that begin later in life, after age 55, can affect memory, thinking, and overall health, and the reasons why these seizures occur are not fully understood. We aim to learn more about the causes of late-onset seizures and how they impact cognitive function and daily life. We also want to understand how these seizures develop over time so that we can find ways to support older adults in maintaining their health and quality of life.
Eventually, the findings of this study may help improve the understanding, treatment, and management of late-onset seizures and support better health outcomes for older adults.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand why some adults develop seizures later in life. We aim to better understand how late-onset seizures affect memory, thinking, and overall brain function. Changes in brain activity, cognitive performance, and daily functioning are all related to these seizures, and we will measure all of these. We also want to see how seizures progress over time and whether understanding these changes can help improve treatment and management.
To do this, we are using neuroscience and cognitive assessments to guide us, including MRI scans, EEG monitoring, memory and thinking tests, and questionnaires. These measures help us study the brain and cognition in adults who experience seizures later in life, which could eventually lead to better strategies for supporting health, memory, and quality of life.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- First seizure occurred after age 55
- First seizure occurred within the last 3 years
- No known cause for the seizure
- Fluent in English to complete questionnaires and cognitive testing
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of stroke, brain bleeding, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, prior brain surgery, or dementia
- History of or current treatment for autoimmune encephalitis
- Current consumption of 15+ alcoholic drinks per week
- Significant hearing impairment
The entire study lasts up to 5 years. Once enrolled, the study involves:
In-person visits: Participants will have an initial baseline visit at the research site, which includes: questionnaires about seizures, medical and family history, and lifestyle; memory and thinking tests; a brain MRI; a blood draw; and an at-home overnight EEG study. After the baseline visit, follow-up visits occur every 6 months, alternating between phone-call visits and in-person visits. Phone visits involve a short questionnaire, while in-person visits include questionnaires plus memory and thinking tests.
From home: Participants will complete an at-home overnight EEG to monitor brain activity during sleep. This allows researchers to measure seizure-related brain activity in a natural setting.
You may receive up to $365 for participating in the study, including $125 for the baseline assessment, $10 for each phone-call follow-up visit, $25 for the Year 2 in-person visit, $40 for the Year 3 in-person visit, $55 for the Year 4 in-person visit, and $70 for the Year 5 in-person visit.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.