SEIZURES ACCELERATE AGE-RELATED NEURODEGENERATION – EpiNeurAge

A pathological interplay between seizures and age-dependent neurodegeneration has been clinically reported and is debated. The occurrence of seizures is more likely to provoke cognitive dysfunctions in older vs. younger patients. Subjects with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can present brain amyloidogenic and tau-related markers and comorbidities such as impaired memory. Currently, pre-clinical studies are necessary to identify the functional impact of seizures on the aging brain and the mechanisms underlying susceptibility and negative outcome with increased age of seizure onset. In EpiNeurAge, we will define (WP1) and then target (WP2) the pathological interplay between experimental seizure conditions, age, and neurodegeneration. In particular:
WP1. SEIZURES PROMOTE NEURODEGENERATIVE MARKERS AS A FUNCTION OF AGE.
Task 1.1. What is the pathological impact of TLE on the aging brain?
Task 1.2. What is the pathological impact of a generalized SE on the aging brain?
Task 1.3. Do seizures accelerate age-dependent neurodegeneration in transgenic models?
WP2. PHARMACOLOGICAL TARGETING OF NEURODEGENERATION AND NEUROINFLAMMATION IN SEIZURE CONDITIONS.
Task 2.1. What is the temporal pattern of GR dysfunction in seizure conditions?
Task 2.2 Can GR pharmacological modulation curb neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in seizure conditions?
Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting seizures to neurodegenerative markers and outcomes will inform the design of targeted therapeutic interventions. Within this framework, it is important to show the disease trajectories that specifically depend on age of seizure onset and aging. The latter is immediately relevant to clinical seizures, their comorbidities, and associated neurodegenerative markers.