Senile myoclonic epilepsy: Delineation of a common condition associated with Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome

Patient 1: Drawing abilities at age 46 (a) and 2 years after seizure onset, at age 62 (b), showing a marked deterioration.

Patient 1: Polygraphic EEG performed at awakening 2 years after the onset of myoclonic jerks and before the onset of GTCS; (a and b) no slowing of background activity, generalized spike- and polyspike-and-wave complexes associated with bilateral myoclonic jerks; (c) enlargement of (b) showing the relationship between EEG discharge and jerk. Recording speed: 15mm/s.

Patient 8: Polygraphic EEG performed in the late morning 6 years after the onset of cognitive decline and GTCS, and 4 years after the onset of myoclonic jerks. The patient was already severely demented with permanent myoclonus. Note the marked slowing of the background activity and frequent diffuse bursts of spike and wave complexes, generally coupled with myoclonic jerks; also note the presence of unilateral myoclonias that are not associated with EEG activities (EMG1: right deltoid; EMG2: left deltoid). Recording speed: 15mm/s.