Abstract
ABSTRACTMemory complaints are common in adult people with epilepsy (PWEs). However, the associated clinical aspects are not yet fully understood.Objective:This study aims to relate the occurrence of memory complaints in PWEs with clinical aspects and self-esteem.Methods:To relate the data obtained from the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q) with clinical aspects, 71 PWEs were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Brief Cognitive Battery-Edu. These data were compared with 55 individuals in a control group (CG).Results:Memory complaints (MAC-Q≥25) were significantly higher in PWEs, when compared with individuals in the CG [35 (49.3%) vs. 15 (27.2%); Student’s t-test; p=0.012]. Objective cognitive performance was lower in PWEs. Memory complaints were associated with a lower educational level, the presence of depression, SES, MMSE, incidental memory, and the clock-drawing test scores in PWEs.Conclusions:Memory complaints were more frequent in PWEs than in individuals in the CG, and there was a relationship with cognitive deficit, educational level, depression, and low self-esteem.
Highlights
IntroductionThe presence of self-perceived memory problems is quite common in the general population, increasing with aging,[1,2] with some studies describing a relationship between memory complaints and a higher risk of progressing to dementia.[3,4,5,6] it remains controversial whether memory complaints accurately are related to objective performance in cognitive tests.[7,8,9]In epilepsy, objective cognitive deficits and memory complaints are frequent.[10,11,12] Between 20 and 50% of adult people with epilepsy (PWEs) complain of poor memory.[13]
There was no significant difference in the sex, age, and educational level between people with epilepsy (PWEs) and individuals in the control group (CG) (Table 1)
This study observed a high occurrence of memory complaints in PWEs and had a significantly higher occurrence when compared with individuals in the CG
Summary
The presence of self-perceived memory problems is quite common in the general population, increasing with aging,[1,2] with some studies describing a relationship between memory complaints and a higher risk of progressing to dementia.[3,4,5,6] it remains controversial whether memory complaints accurately are related to objective performance in cognitive tests.[7,8,9]In epilepsy, objective cognitive deficits and memory complaints are frequent.[10,11,12] Between 20 and 50% of adult people with epilepsy (PWEs) complain of poor memory.[13]. Memory difficulties is one of the aspects of epilepsy that mostly compromises social functioning, self-esteem, and quality of life.[14,15] In contrast, some studies suggest that PWEs overreported memory difficulties.[16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
