Can Dementia Cause Seizures?

Dementia is known for its impact on memory, thinking, and behavior. However, these effects on brain function can also lead to unexpected physical symptoms like seizures. While seizures aren’t exactly common for those living with dementia, they’re more likely to occur in certain situations depending on the type and progression of the condition.

At Mira Vie Senior Living, we want to help you recognize the signs of seizures, seek appropriate care, and support your loved one in navigating the challenges they face with compassion and care.

How Dementia Can Lead to Seizures

Dementia refers to a group of conditions that cause progress decline in cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known type of dementia, but there are other varieties, including vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

These conditions primarily affect the brain, causing progressive damage to its structure and function. This damage can sometimes disrupt the brain’s electrical activity, which may lead to seizures. A seizure occurs when electrical signals in the brain become abnormal, resulting in temporary but noticeable changes in behavior, movement, or consciousness.

Types of Dementia Linked to Seizures

Seizures aren’t equally common across all types of dementia. Certain forms of the condition are more likely to cause seizures, particularly in the later stages.

Alzheimer’s Disease: 

Seizures are more likely to occur in individuals diagnosed at a younger age or those with a genetic predisposition. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the likelihood of seizures may increase.

• Vascular Dementia: Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause damage to blood vessels, which may trigger seizures in some cases.
• Frontotemporal Dementia: Seizures are rare with frontotemporal dementia, but may still occur as the disease advances or if significant brain damage is present.
• Lewy Body Dementia: Though seizures are less common, this type of dementia can cause other neurological symptoms that might mimic seizures or contribute to similar disruptions in brain activity.

Why Seizures Happen to People with Dementia

Seizures in people with dementia are primarily the result of brain cell damage. As neurons die or stop functioning normally, the brain becomes more susceptible to electrical disturbances.

Several factors can contribute to seizures in someone with dementia:

• Brain Structure Damage: Loss of neurons and the disruption of normal brain activity can increase the risk of seizures.
• Medications: Some medications prescribed to manage dementia symptoms or related health conditions may lower the brain’s seizure threshold.
• Underlying Health Issues: Infections, electrolyte imbalances, and other health concerns can also act as triggers.
• History of Stroke or Head Trauma: Previous injuries or conditions that affect the brain may compound the risk of seizures.

Signs of Seizures in People with Dementia

Seizures don’t always appear as the dramatic convulsions commonly associated with epilepsy. In those with dementia, seizures may present in subtler ways, making them easy to overlook.

Signs of a seizure can include:

• Staring spells or brief periods of unresponsiveness
• Sudden muscle stiffness or jerking movements
• Repetitive behaviours, such as lip-smacking or fidgeting
• Changes in consciousness, confusion, or disorientation after the episode
• Sudden mood or behavioral shifts

If you notice these symptoms, especially if they occur repeatedly, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Diagnosis & Management of Seizures in Dementia

Diagnosing seizures in someone with dementia requires a combination of medical history, observation, and diagnostic tests. Some of these factors include:

• Medical History & Observation: Detailed accounts of symptoms, including their frequency and duration, help identify patterns.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test measures brain activity and can detect abnormal electrical patterns.
• Brain Imaging: Scans like MRIs or CTs help identify structural changes that may contribute to seizures.

Once seizures are confirmed, treatment options can include:

• Medications: Anti-seizure medications are often used to control or reduce the frequency of seizures. Doctors carefully select drugs that won’t negatively impact cognitive function.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Managing stress, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and addressing other triggers may help reduce the risk of seizures.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals help make sure the treatment plan remains effective and supportive.

Supporting a Loved One with Dementia & Seizures

Caring for someone living with dementia and experiencing seizures can be challenging. At Mira Vie Senior Living, we offer effective and compassionate support for the challenges associated with dementia and its symptoms.

Here are some ways you can support your loved one:

Learn Seizure First Aid: Stay calm. Check to make sure your loved one is safe, and avoid placing anything in their mouth.

Communication with Healthcare Providers: Share your observations and concerns about your loved one to help the medical team tailor care to the individual’s needs.

Create a Safe Environment: Remove tripping hazards and sharp objects to reduce injury risks during a seizure.

Focus on Comfort & Reassurance: Seizures can be frightening, so offering a calm presence and comforting words can make a big difference.

Maintaining Quality of Life

Living with dementia and seizures can be overwhelming for families. With the right resources and support, it’s possible to maintain a good quality of life.

In Mira Vie Senior Living communities, our memory care staff  trained to address the unique needs of residents with cognitive decline and neurological symptoms. Memory care provides personalized care, comfortable surroundings, and a supportive environment that can help families find peace of mind.

Check out our tailored services, regular health monitoring, and engaging activities, all designed to help residents enjoy meaningful moments and connections, even in the face of complex conditions like dementia.