What is the purpose of this study?
The ELUCID Study is an NIH-funded, multi-center study that will follow 600 individuals with late-onset unexplained epilepsy (LoUE) over 5 years, collecting detailed information about their medical history, medications, and lifestyle; tracking changes in their cognition over time; and collecting EEG and MRI data as well as blood samples. Our primary goal is to understand which individuals with LoUE are at greatest risk for developing cognitive decline and dementia, so that in the future, we can learn to predict, and more importantly, prevent these outcomes. Along the way, we will learn many other important details about LoUE that will help us to understand how best to provide clinical care that maximizes our patients’ well-being and quality of life.
Who is eligible to participate?
You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:
- You were at least 55 years old at the time of your first seizure.
- Your first seizure occurred within the last three years.
- Neurologists have not been able to identify a clear cause for your seizures.
- You are/were a patient in the neurology or epilepsy clinic at one of our participating ELUCID study locations
What will I be asked to do if I participate in this study?
- Complete an initial baseline assessment, which includes:
- Answering questions about your seizures, medical history, medications, family history, lifestyle, and mood
- MRI scan of your brain
- At-home, overnight EEG study
- Blood draw
- Participate in follow-up visits every 6 months, where we will ask you about changes in your health since your last study visit. One follow-up visit each year will take place over the phone, while the other follow-up visit will be carried out in person. During the in-person visits, we will also ask you to do some thinking and memory tests.
How do I participate?
We’re glad you asked! Please follow the instructions here.