Memory complaints, clinical aspects, and self-esteem in adult people with epilepsy

Tedrus, Glória Maria de Almeida Souza; Lange, Laura Annoni

ABSTRACT Memory complaints are common in adult people with epilepsy (PWEs). However, the associated clinical aspects are not yet fully understood.

Objective:

This study aims to relate the occurrence of memory complaints in PWEs with clinical aspects and self-esteem.

Methods:

To relate the data obtained from the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q) with clinical aspects, 71 PWEs were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Brief Cognitive Battery-Edu. These data were compared with 55 individuals in a control group (CG).

Results:

Memory complaints (MAC-Q≥25) were significantly higher in PWEs, when compared with individuals in the CG [35 (49.3%) vs. 15 (27.2%); Student's t-test; p=0.012]. Objective cognitive performance was lower in PWEs. Memory complaints were associated with a lower educational level, the presence of depression, SES, MMSE, incidental memory, and the clock-drawing test scores in PWEs.

Conclusions:

Memory complaints were more frequent in PWEs than in individuals in the CG, and there was a relationship with cognitive deficit, educational level, depression, and low self-esteem.

RESUMO Queixas de memória são frequentes em pessoas adultas com epilepsia (PCEs). Entretanto, os aspectos clínicos associados ainda não são totalmente compreendidos.

Objetivo:

Relacionar a ocorrência de queixas de memória em PCEs com aspectos clínicos e a autoestima.

Métodos:

Relacionar os dados do Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q) com aspectos clínicos, a Roserberg Self-esteem Scale (SES), o MEEM e a BCB-Edu de 71 PCEs. Os dados foram comparados aos de 55 indivíduos normais (GC).

Resultados:

Queixa de memória (MAC-Q≥25) foi significativamente maior nos PCEs quando comparada a do GC [35 (49,3%) vs. 15 (27,2%); teste t de Student; p=0,012]. O desempenho cognitivo objetivo foi inferior nas PWEs. As queixas de memória foram associadas à menor escolaridade, presença de depressão e à SES, o MEEM, à memória incidental e o clock-drawing test nas PCEs.

Conclusões:

As queixas de memória foi mais frequente nas PCEs do que no GC, e houve relação com o déficit cognitivo, a escolaridade, a depressão e a baixa autoestima.