Seizures are a less well-known symptom of dementia, and are more common than most people realise. Increasing evidence from large clinical studies shows that there is a significantly increased risk of seizures in people living with dementia, with the risk becoming more severe in the later stages. Understanding why this happens and what it may look like can help families feel better prepared and supported.
What Is the Connection Between Dementia and Seizures?
Large population studies have demonstrated that people with Alzheimer’s disease, for example, have a significantly higher risk of developing seizures compared with individuals of the same age without dementia. The risk appears to increase as the disease progresses. Research also suggests that seizures may sometimes occur earlier in younger-onset forms of dementia, where underlying pathological changes can be more aggressive.
What Causes Seizures in Dementia?
When families ask, “What causes seizures in dementia patients?”, the answer usually relates to the underlying brain changes. Progressive brain cell death, inflammation, accumulation of abnormal proteins and disruption of normal communication pathways all contribute to increased electrical instability.
The exact mechanism can vary depending on the type of dementia. In vascular dementia, localised damage from strokes may act as a trigger. In Alzheimer’s disease, molecular changes within nerve cells appear to alter how signals are transmitted, lowering the seizure threshold. In all cases, the common factor is structural and functional disruption of brain networks.
Seizures in Late-Stage Dementia
Seizures in late-stage dementia are more frequently observed because of extensive neuronal loss and widespread changes in brain structure. As degeneration advances, the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain becomes impaired. This can trigger abnormal bursts of electrical activity.
It is important to note that not every person living with advanced dementia will experience seizures. However, clinicians recognise that the likelihood rises as the condition progresses. Some studies estimate that between 10 and 20 per cent of people with Alzheimer’s disease may develop seizures during the course of their illness, with higher rates reported in certain subtypes and in younger individuals.
Early onset dementia usually affects people under the age of 65, often while they are still working, raising families, and living active lives. In fact, over 70,000 people live with early onset dementia in the UK alone. Because of this, the condition can sometimes be overlooked or mistaken for stress or other pressures of daily life.
Although early onset dementia affects a younger age group, research shows that adults aged 60 to 65 and over have one of the highest rates of new onset seizures. This means seizures may become more likely as a person approaches later life or as the condition develops further.
Understanding this link can help families recognise changes in symptoms and ensure the right support is in place.
What Does a Dementia Seizure Look Like and What Are The Symptoms?
Dementia seizure symptoms can vary. Some seizures are generalised tonic-clonic seizures, which involve loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening and rhythmic jerking movements. These are often what people picture when they think of epilepsy.
However, seizures in dementia are frequently ‘silent’, also referred to as non-convulsive seizures or focal impaired awareness seizures. These seizures may involve brief confusion, repetitive movements such as lip smacking or hand rubbing, or a sudden pause in activity.
A key characteristic can also be a sudden stop in activity, accompanied by staring into space, reduced responsiveness or brief confusion. The person may appear unresponsive for a short period and have little memory of the event afterwards.
In people living with dementia, these more subtle seizures may be mistaken for typical symptoms of the condition. For this reason, careful clinical assessment is important if new or unexplained episodes occur.
How Dementia Care Homes Can Help
For families navigating dementia and seizures, reassurance comes from knowing that support is available. Care teams trained in dementia care understand the progressive nature of each type of dementia, and are attentive to the possible symptoms of a seizure, and how to differentiate these from typical dementia symptoms. Where seizures are suspected, prompt medical review can be arranged to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Depending on the person’s overall health, mobility and cognitive profile, support may be provided within standard dementia care or within enhanced settings for individuals with more complex dementia needs. The aim is always to maintain comfort, dignity and safety, while working closely with GPs and specialist clinicians.
B&M Care’s Complex Dementia Hubs, are purpose built facilities with specialist care to help families navigate the most challenging stages of the dementia journey, especially when linked to additional health concerns such as seizures.
If you are concerned about seizures in late-stage dementia or have noticed possible dementia seizure symptoms in someone close to you, seeking professional advice is important. With the right care and clinical oversight, many people living with dementia and seizures can continue to experience stability and quality of life within a supportive residential environment.
Contact us today to find out more about our enhanced dementia care services, and a member of the team will be happy to help.