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Dementia and seizures
Dementia comes with many emotional and physical challenges, and in some cases, seizures can occur. Here, we are exploring why this happens, and what support may be needed.
What is dementia?
Around 900,000 people in the UK live with dementia, which is a progressive neurological disorder causing symptoms like memory loss and communication issues. Dementia is most prevalent in those over 65, and different types of dementia cause unique symptoms. Every person is affected in their own way, but in most cases, specialist dementia care will eventually be required due to behavioural and physical symptoms like mobility loss.
“While most people think of memory problems when they hear the word dementia, the condition encompasses a range of complex symptoms…”
– Dr Sara Imarisio, Head of Research from Alzheimer’s Research UK
One lesser-known symptom is seizures, which studies suggest are 6-10 times more prevalent in older people with dementia.
Are seizures common in dementia?
Clinical evidence has discovered the comorbidity of epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease, and it is believed dementia and seizures both result from damage to cells in the brain which impact its function. While seizures were once considered a symptom of late-stage dementia only, researchers now believe they can occur in the early stages too, sometimes before memory loss.
A 2020 study suggested that dementia contributes to a twofold risk of developing epilepsy, and vice versa. This is thought to be due to brain shrinkage, or the buildup of proteins amyloid and tau which impact how nerve cells communicate, causing them to behave uncontrollably. Not everyone with dementia has seizures, but those who do may find them frustrating and frightening.
What might a dementia seizure look like?
According to a 2021 study, generalised or focal seizures are the two most common in dementia:
- Generalised tonic-clonic seizures cause people to become unresponsive and possibly convulse, but many epileptic seizures don’t look like this.
- Focal onset seizures are what most people with epilepsy experience, and are more common in those with dementia. These may look like brief stints of amnesia, unresponsiveness, or involuntary repetitive motions like chewing – they may be referred to as “silent seizures”.
The confusion that occurs in dementia can sometimes make seizures difficult to recognise, and slower to diagnose and treat. If you suspect you or an older loved one has experienced one or multiple seizures, speak to a GP as soon as possible.
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Get in touch How to manage dementia seizures in a loved one
Managing dementia-related seizures may require:
- Making the home safe by removing hazards that could injure during seizures
- Monitoring anything that triggers seizures
- Ensuring they take any seizure medications they have been prescribed
- Keeping track of seizure patterns to inform the GP when they occur
- Offering reassurance during and after seizures to ease anxiety
- Taking them to regular medical reviews with neurology specialists or other doctors
- Clearly communicating seizure patterns with caregivers taking over in your absence
In some cases, seizures can cause cognitive decline to speed up, so taking anti-seizure medications could help prevent this. Other treatments may be available, so you may be referred to a specialist to learn more options.
Why Home Instead?
A GP or specialist will need to check and treat an older person’s dementia-related seizures. However, while they find the best medications or treatments, you may still need to manage seizures in the meantime, which can be distressing for families.
Professional home care can make this easier, and at Home Instead, our Care Professionals are trained in person-centred dementia care that includes knowledge on how to manage seizures. We use a programme that is City & Guilds Assured, and we are rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk. Plus, many of our locations are deemed “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can feel comfortable leaving your older loved one with dementia in our capable hands without worrying about potential seizures.
Advice & Support
FAQs
- Can dementia cause seizures?
Yes. While not everyone with dementia experiences seizures, certain types – such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia – can increase the risk. Seizures may occur as the condition progresses and are often linked to changes in brain activity.
- What do seizures look like in someone with dementia?
Seizures can vary from noticeable shaking or loss of consciousness to more subtle signs like brief staring spells, confusion, or sudden unresponsiveness. Because symptoms can be hard to spot, it’s important for carers and family members to be observant and report changes to a GP.
- How should you respond if a person with dementia has a seizure?
Stay calm and make sure the person is safe. Clear the area of anything that could cause injury, place something soft under their head, and do not try to restrain them. After the seizure, stay with them until they are fully alert and contact a healthcare professional for advice.
- How can home care support someone with dementia and seizures?
Trained Care Professionals can provide close monitoring, ensure medication is taken correctly, and help create a safe environment to reduce risk. They also offer reassurance and comfort during and after an episode, supporting both the individual and their family.
- When should I seek medical help for seizures in dementia?
You should always inform a GP after a seizure, especially if it’s the first one, lasts more than five minutes, or happens repeatedly. A medical professional can review medication, assess any changes in condition, and advise on ongoing care needs.
You should call 999 if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if the person does not regain consciousness afterwards, or if multiple seizures occur close together without recovery in between. Emergency help is also needed if the individual is injured during the episode, such as from a head injury or severe fall, if their breathing becomes difficult or stops, or if it is their first ever seizure. If you feel unsure or unsafe managing the situation, seeking immediate assistance is always the safest option.