Abstracts

Difficulties with memory are reported frequently in patients with epilepsy. There is a current lack of options for treating these symptoms. The goal of this study was to develop and study a group-based approach for treating memory difficulties specific to patients with epilepsy. Twenty-three patients with epilepsy were enrolled in four separate groups. There were 15 female and 8 male participants. The average age was 47.5 years (range, 28-62 years). The mean level of education was 15.6 years (range, 10-20 years). Sixteen patients had received surgical intervention. The group treatment consisted of six 75-minute sessions . Each included educational presentations on epilepsy and memory. There was also instruction in the use of external devices (e.g., calendar systems and PDA[apos]s) and in the use of mnemonic techniques (e.g., imagery and association). Informational handouts were provided at each session. Participants were given homework assignments utilizing concepts presented in the group. They were also encouraged to share strategies that have been helpful for managing memory difficulties. The subjects were administered self-report questionnaires, including the Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-10) and the Memory Complaints Inventory (MCI), at the beginning the group and 1-2 months after its conclusion. They also completed a group evaluation form. Twenty patients successfully concluded treatment. Fifteen completed self-report inventories at both timepoints. Comparisons between subjective ratings obtained before and after the group were made with pairwise t-tests. No significant changes were seen in global ratings of QOL or subjective memory, as defined by differences in total scores on the QOLIE-10 (t = 0.40, NS) and on the MCI. (t = 1.46, NS). Significant reductions were seen on the memory item (#4) from the QOLIE-10 (t = 3.56, p [lt] .01). A significant increase in mental effects from AED[apos]s, as defined by changes in their response to item #8 (t = 2.48, p [lt] .01) were also seen. On the MCI, they were found to have significant reductions in ratings for verbal memory impairment (t = 2.30, p [lt] .05) and word finding difficulties (t = 2.40, p [lt] .05). The participants gave the memory group a mean satisfaction rating of 4.20 on a scale of five. They rated [quot]weekly handouts[quot] (M = 4.07) and the [quot]interactions with peers[quot] (M = 4.13) as the most valuable components of the group. Preliminary results from a trial of 15 individuals completing a six-week memory group indicate significant changes in subjective ratings following treatment. Improvement was reported in verbal memory and word finding. There was also an increase in reported side effects from medication, which is perhaps the result of increased awareness of these issues through educational presentations. These findings indicate that group intervention might provide an effective and efficient means for educating patients and addressing memory difficulties associated with epilepsy.