Healthy Aging Program for Epilepsy

(HAP-E Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Diego

Disqualifiers: Dementia

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if an educational program can boost knowledge about dementia and improve the quality of life for older adults with epilepsy. Participants will learn about healthy aging, managing chronic diseases, and lifestyle changes that might lower dementia risks. The program, called the Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program, lasts 12 weeks and includes pre- and post-program evaluations. It is ideal for individuals who have epilepsy, are proficient in English, and want to learn more about aging and health.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into healthy aging and dementia prevention.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on education rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this educational program is safe for older adults with epilepsy?

Research has shown that programs like the Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program aim to increase understanding of dementia and improve quality of life. These programs are generally safe, focusing on providing information and resources.

Studies have found that educational programs for older adults with epilepsy are well-received and can help them manage their condition better. No evidence suggests negative effects from these programs, as they do not involve medication or medical procedures.

In short, joining an educational program like this one is safe and may help older adults with epilepsy gain knowledge and improve their quality of life. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program is unique because it focuses on enhancing overall well-being and aging healthily, rather than solely managing seizures. Most treatments for epilepsy, like anti-seizure medications, primarily aim to control seizures but don't address the broader aging-related challenges that people with epilepsy face. Researchers are excited about this program because it could improve quality of life by incorporating lifestyle and wellness strategies that might help people with epilepsy age more healthily. This holistic approach could offer benefits beyond traditional medication, potentially reducing the impact of epilepsy on daily life as people grow older.

What evidence suggests that this educational program is effective for improving dementia knowledge and quality of life in older adults with epilepsy?

Research has shown that educational programs can help older adults learn about dementia and improve their health understanding. Studies also indicate that older adults with epilepsy often lack social support, which can affect their health. The Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program, provided to participants in this trial, aims to enhance quality of life and empower participants by focusing on healthy aging and managing long-term health conditions. While specific data on this program is not yet available, similar programs have successfully helped older adults understand and manage their health better. This suggests that the Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program might also be effective. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults with epilepsy who can understand English. They should have been diagnosed by a neurologist, epileptologist, or primary care physician. People already diagnosed with dementia cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Proficiency in English

I have been diagnosed with epilepsy by a specialist.

Exclusion Criteria

You have a condition that affects your memory and thinking.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Educational Program

Participants complete a 12-week group educational program about dementia and healthy aging

12 weeks

Weekly group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in dementia knowledge, health literacy, and quality of life

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program

Trial Overview

The study is testing an educational program designed to teach participants about healthy aging and managing chronic diseases, focusing on dementia and lifestyle factors that could affect their quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: HAP-E Epilepsy Participants Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Diego

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,215

Recruited

1,593,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 309 epilepsy patients in Poland, 73.8% reported at least one adverse event (AE) while on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), with cognitive disturbances, psychological issues, and sedation being the most common AEs.

Treatment modifications occurred in 22.3% of patients, primarily due to lack of efficacy (10.7%) and adverse events (5.2%), highlighting the need for careful monitoring of AED effectiveness and side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pattern of adverse events of antiepileptic drugs: results of the aESCAPE study in Poland. Chmielewska, B., Lis, K., Rejdak, K., et al.[2022]

The study involved 52 young adults with epilepsy and mild cognitive impairment, who spent about 3 years in a residential unit aimed at improving their independence and seizure control.

At discharge, participants showed a decline in seizure frequency, and those who moved to supported housing experienced significant improvements in health-related quality of life and daily living activities, indicating that the residential program can have positive effects beyond just reducing seizures.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A time-limited residential unit for young adults with epilepsy and mild cognitive impairment: results of a prospective pre-post-study. Endermann, M.[2015]

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.ucsd.edu

clinicaltrials.ucsd.edu/trial/NCT06052605

Healthy Aging in People With Epilepsy Program

The goal of this clinical trial is to develop and test an educational program about dementia in older adults living with epilepsy.

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4440332/

Patient-Centered Outcomes in Older Adults with Epilepsy

In the United States (U.S.), 27% of annual epilepsy diagnoses involve those age 60 years and older. European-based studies have also revealed that older adults ...

3.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1059131124001912

Patient-centered outcomes and quality of life in elderly ...

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the studies and emphasizes the importance of involving elderly people with epilepsy in their own care.

4.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11944413/

The Impact of Age on Outcomes in Seizure Hospitalizations ...

Older adults with epilepsy often experience diminished social support and heightened isolation, which can delay diagnosis and worsen outcomes.

5.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/epi.17426?campaign=wolearlyview

Management of epilepsy in older adults: A critical review by ...

Most comparative studies focusing on treatment of epilepsy in older adults have found that levetiracetam has the best chance of long-term ...

6.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589986425000164

Examining the role of physical activity in older adults with ...

PA may reduce the incidence of epilepsy in older adults. Existing evidence shows PA prevents falls and reduces neuroinflammation.

7.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/epi4.12541

The Efficacy, Safety, and Outcomes of Brain‐responsive ...

The responder rate was 54.5% (N = 30) for the entire cohort with 63.6% (N = 7) responder rate among older adults and 52.3% (N = 23) among ...