The objective of this study is to determine if distinct cognitive
phenotypes could be identified in temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy
patients (n = 96) and healthy controls (n = 82)
underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Adjusted (age,
gender, and education) test scores for epilepsy subjects were grouped into
cognitive domains (intelligence, language, visuoperception, immediate and
delayed memory, executive function, and cognitive/psychomotor speed).
Cluster analysis revealed three distinct cognitive profiles types: (1)
minimally impaired (47% of subjects); (2) memory impaired (24%); and (3)
memory, executive, and speed impaired (29%). The three cluster groups
exhibited different patterns of results on demographic, clinical epilepsy,
brain volumetrics, and cognitive course over a 4-year interval. The
specific profile characteristics of the identified cognitive phenotypes
are presented and their implications for the investigation of the
neurobehavioral complications of epilepsy are discussed. (JINS,
2007, 13, 12–20.)