Epilepsy and poor memory: who complains and what do they mean?

The aim of this study was to increase the understanding of the major causes of memory complaints made by people with epilepsy. Neuropsychological test performance, patients' self-reports of memory failures and the use of memory support strategies were compared in two groups of 30 patients with epilepsy differing in level of memory complaints. Those reporting significant memory difficulties performed more poorly on two of the six measures of memory administered. Age of onset of seizures was significantly later in the 'complaining' group but none of the other treatment and epilepsy variables considered differentiated the groups. Patients who complained of memory problems, however, were significantly more depressed and anxious than non-complainers. These findings may have implications for memory rehabilitation interventions in the population.