Abstract
Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Memory impairment contributes to increased disease burden and adversely affects the quality of life of patients with epilepsy. In patients receiving polytherapy with antiseizure medications, multiple factors may influence memory function. Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of memory impairment and to identify factors associated with memory impairment in patients with epilepsy receiving polytherapy. Methods: This descriptive case-series study was conducted among adult patients (≥18 years) with epilepsy who were treated with two or more antiseizure medications at the Department of Neurology, Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, between December 2020 and June 2021. Participants underwent structured interviews and neuropsychological assessments, including immediate word recall, delayed word recall, delayed recognition, Digit Span Forward, and Digit Span Backward tests. Results: A total of 45 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 37.7 ± 13.8 years and a mean educational attainment of 9.8 ± 3.8 years. Memory impairment in at least one cognitive domain was identified in 33.3% of patients, while 46.7% exhibited attention deficits. Educational level, age, age at epilepsy onset, and concomitant use of topiramate were significantly associated with impairment in specific memory domains. Conclusions: Memory impairment is common among patients with epilepsy receiving polytherapy. Educational level, age, age at disease onset, and concomitant treatment with topiramate are important factors associated with memory dysfunction.
