Scientists from Zhejiang University report a link between genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and an elevated likelihood of certain seizure disorders, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between these two neurological conditions. The study highlights that individuals with a genetic tendency toward Alzheimer’s may face a higher risk for epilepsy, while people who experience particular forms of epilepsy could be more prone to developing Alzheimer’s disease later on. The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that these conditions may share underlying biological pathways and influence each other across the lifespan. The research appears in the journal Neurology, signaling peer‑reviewed support for these observations and inviting further investigation into the mechanisms at play.
Researchers analyzed variations in the genomes of large cohorts, including 111,000 individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and 677,000 people without dementia, to assess how genetic factors correlate with seizure risk. They reported that Alzheimer’s disease itself was associated with a modest but meaningful increase in the risk of generalized epilepsy, defined by seizures that originate across both hemispheres of the brain. The estimated rise in risk was 5.3%, underscoring a potential overlap in the biological triggers that drive neurodegenerative and convulsive disorders. This finding aligns with other work suggesting that brain network disruptions common in Alzheimer’s may create a more excitable state in neural circuits, making seizures somewhat more likely in affected individuals.
In a related line of inquiry, the team investigated structural changes within the hippocampus, a region deeply involved in memory formation and retrieval. They found that reduced hippocampal volume, or sclerosis, was linked to a higher chance of focal epilepsy, where seizures begin in one specific area of the brain. The increase in risk for focal epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis was measured at 1.3%. When both conditions—focal epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis—coexisted, the probability of later developing Alzheimer’s rose substantially, with those individuals showing almost four times the likelihood compared with people without epilepsy. These patterns emphasize the potential for brain structure changes to influence disease trajectories in meaningful ways and point to the importance of monitoring neurological symptoms across diagnostic boundaries.
The researchers stress the need for proactive seizure screening among people with Alzheimer’s disease and call for more work to understand how seizures affect the course and management of these intertwined disorders. They note that recognizing and treating seizures early could improve quality of life and may impact long-term cognitive outcomes. By building a clearer picture of how genetic risk, brain anatomy, and seizure activity intersect, scientists aim to refine prevention strategies and tailor interventions that address both memory decline and convulsive events. The study invites replication in diverse populations and encourages clinicians to consider broader neurologic assessments for patients at risk of these conditions, with the ultimate goal of slowing progression and improving daily functioning for those affected.
Citations: Zhejiang University data and Neurology journal publication; ongoing work in neurogenetics and epilepsy research provides additional context for these associations, highlighting the need for integrated care approaches and multidisciplinary collaboration to unravel the shared biology of Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.