Autobiographical memory outcomes following adult epilepsy surgery
(Past project)
Memory impairments have long been regarded a cardinal neuropsychological feature of various epilepsy syndromes, with current neural-network models of epilepsy conceptualising them as an intrinsic component of the disease. Of concern, nearly a third of patients display medically-refractory epilepsy, warranting the consideration of invasive surgical interventions to control their seizures. Although the risk to verbal and non-verbal memory systems are well-established following focal epilepsy surgery, there is little research examining outcomes related to the autobiographical memory (AM) system; a uniquely human form of memory, tasked with integrating our past events and experiences to form a personally-meaningful life narrative. Although initial research indicates that AM may be vulnerable to decline post-surgery, the literature is characterised by significant methodological limitations. As such, this project aims to establish whether surgical interventions result in a significant reduction in AM function for adult focal epilepsy patients, and moreover, examine the patient factors that predict post-operative AM decline.
Researchers:
- Graeme Batty (MPsych student)
- Dr Genevieve Rayner (Primary supervisor)
Enquiries: Graeme Batty (gbatty@student.unimelb.edu.au)
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