Targeted Research Initiative for Seniors

Posted: November 14, 2006

The Epilepsy Foundation invites research grant applications for the Targeted Research Initiative for Seniors. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was developed to generate pilot data that can lead to sponsored research projects in the future. Interested investigators may submit applications to conduct pilot research in the following areas:

1. Fundamental knowledge of aging and epilepsy:
   • Phenomenological and pathophysiological studies of elderly epileptic animals: e.g., “spontaneous”, generalized 7-Hz. spike-wave seizures of aged rodents.
   • Mechanisms of seizure-induced injury in the aging brain: Studies of differential injury and other responses to seizures in aged and young neurons.
   • Mechanisms of epileptogenesis in the aging brain: Studies of differences between aged and young animals in the induction of epilepsy.
2. Diagnosis of partial seizures in the elderly:
   • Development of qualitative MRI markers for increased risk of partial epilepsy, in the elderly with and without specific cerebral lesions.
   • Development of ambulatory EEG protocols or other adaptations of EEG recording that will increase detection of specific interictal epileptiform discharges in the elderly.
   • Epidemiology of diagnosed and undiagnosed epilepsy in nursing home populations, based on history, population EEG acquisition, or other techniques.
3. Epilepsy therapeutics in the elderly:
   • Prognostication for AED withdrawal in seizure-free patients, specific to old age.
   • Special interactions among AEDs and other commonly used medications in particular elder groups (e.g., those with cerebral infarction).
   • Interactions of AEDs with epilepsy-associated, interictal dysfunctions of mood, anxiety and thought, in the elderly.

For a copy of the complete RFP and application, visit the Research Grants page.