Abstracts

Rationale: Epilepsy significantly impacts subjective and objective cognitive functioning, including memory and attention, affecting quality of life and emotional well-being. However, prior research has shown subjective cognitive concerns do not always align with objective cognitive deficits. Subjective cognitive concerns in epilepsy patients necessitate comprehensive cognitive assessments that include both subjective self-reports and objective neuropsychological measures in order to balance the negative impact on the quality of life in epilepsy.


Methods: Data from 50 individuals with epilepsy who completed neuropsychological evaluation in an outpatient neuropsychology clinic were considered. Participants completed the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE) and comprehensive neuropsychological testing, including measures of verbal memory (e.g., CVLT-3) and auditory and visual attention (e.g., DKEFS TMT 1 and WAIS – Digit Span, Forward). Descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., one-way ANOVA, regression analysis, correlations) were used to examine the relationship between objective and subjective cognitive functioning.


Results: The mean age was 36.54 (SD = 13.13), while the mean education level was 14.88 years (SD = 2.56). In assessing self-reported cognitive impact on quality of life from epilepsy, the mean score for the sample was in the moderate range (M = 45.11, SD = 9.45). A one-way ANOVA found a statistically significant inverse correlation between verbal learning performance, as measured through the CVLT [F (26, 49) = 2.07, p = 0.04]), and endorsement of subjective cognitive concerns. No other statistically significant relationships between QOLIE endorsements and cognitive functioning were observed. A regression analysis found a statistically significant association between sex and the endorsement of cognitive concerns (t = 3.07, p < .01), such that women endorsed significantly higher levels of subjective cognitive concerns. In the final regression model, which included demographic variables (e.g., education, sex, age), cognitive performance, and subjective cognitive concerns, only sex (e.g., female) was significantly associated with endorsement of subjective cognitive concerns.


Conclusions: This research highlights the relationship between subjective reports of cognitive concerns and verbal learning performance in epilepsy patients, emphasizing how demographic and clinical factors correlate with cognitive functioning and quality of life. The study underscores the nuanced impact of epilepsy, revealing a clear link between subjective cognitive concerns and verbal learning performance. These findings stress the need for comprehensive epilepsy care that addresses both cognitive and emotional needs, guiding tailored interventions to improve cognitive outcomes and enhance patients' quality of life. To further validate and expand these findings, future research should involve larger sample sizes and consider moderating factors such as mood symptoms, disease duration, and medication effects. Ultimately, integrating cognitive and emotional support into epilepsy treatment plans is crucial for holistically addressing patient needs and improving their overall well-being.


Funding: None.