Imagine facing not just one, but two debilitating conditions in your golden years: epilepsy and dementia. It’s a harsh reality for many older adults, yet surprisingly, there’s a glaring lack of support programs tailored to their unique needs. But here’s where hope emerges: a groundbreaking initiative from the Cleveland Clinic is stepping up to bridge this gap. Meet the Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program, or HAP-E, a pilot project designed to empower seniors battling both epilepsy and dementia. Led by neuropsychologist Anny Reyes, PhD, this program is backed by a $1 million grant from the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, signaling a significant leap forward in addressing this dual challenge.
And this is the part most people miss: the connection between epilepsy and dementia isn’t just coincidental—it’s bidirectional. Dr. Reyes explains that individuals with epilepsy face a three to four times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Conversely, those with Alzheimer’s or other age-related dementias are more likely to experience seizures. Yet, despite this clear overlap, the relationship remains poorly understood. ‘It’s a relatively new field,’ Dr. Reyes notes, ‘and one that demands deeper exploration.’
HAP-E aims to tackle this complexity head-on by providing older adults with practical tools and knowledge. The program will offer weekly small-group sessions covering critical topics like early dementia warning signs, lifestyle adjustments, seizure management, and strategies for coping with cognitive changes. By fall 2026, these sessions are expected to launch, informed by feedback from patients, caregivers, and stakeholders. The goal? To measure not just patient satisfaction, but also improvements in dementia awareness and overall quality of life.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while there are robust support systems for epilepsy and dementia individually, the intersection of these conditions remains largely neglected. With nearly 1 million older Americans living with epilepsy and over 5.8 million with dementia, the need for integrated care is undeniable. ‘We’re not just treating epilepsy,’ Dr. Reyes emphasizes, ‘we’re addressing the cognitive challenges that often come with it.’
Beyond patient education, HAP-E seeks to spotlight the urgent need for more research. Patients with a history of seizures are often excluded from Alzheimer’s clinical trials, creating a data void that discourages providers from prescribing amyloid-targeting drugs to those with both conditions. Additionally, epilepsy research has traditionally focused on younger populations, leaving gaps in understanding how to manage the condition in older adults. ‘As our geriatric population grows, so will the number of seniors with epilepsy and cognitive decline,’ Dr. Reyes warns. ‘This project is our chance to get ahead of the curve.’
Dr. Reyes envisions HAP-E becoming a national resource, integrated into the Managing Epilepsy Well Network and accessible to epilepsy centers nationwide. With a pilot goal of serving 80 participants over two years, the program could pave the way for a more compassionate, comprehensive approach to care. But what do you think? Is enough being done to address the unique challenges faced by older adults with epilepsy and dementia? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could drive real change.
