the dementia seizure spectrum™
The Dementia Seizure Spectrum™ (DSS) is the clinical framework developed through doctoral research to close the diagnostic gap in dementia care. Research indicates that up to 40 percent of events labeled as behaviors may actually be seizure related activity. This framework organizes those patterns into observable domains. By linking your daily observations with clinical research, we provide the evidence required to advocate for your loved one with confidence.
The Observation Standard
The framework organizes possible seizure related changes into four observable domains. These domains are not used to measure disease progression or severity. Instead, they provide a standardized way to recognize patterns and communicate with your care team. We translate complex neuroscience into the specific details your doctor needs to see to perform an accurate evaluation.
Behavioral Changes
Sudden pauses, confusion, changes in awareness, or brief unresponsiveness that may signal seizure activity rather than typical dementia fluctuations.
Awareness Changes
Short episodes of staring, disorientation, difficulty following conversation, or momentary disconnect from the environment.
Movement Changes
You see a rhythmic action that repeats over and over. It looks like a habit, but they cannot stop it. This often appears as lip smacking, chewing motions, rapid blinking, or picking at clothes.
Seizure Events
The more obvious physical signs that clearly look medical. This includes generalized stiffening, shaking (convulsions), or a sudden loss of muscle tone where they drop or slump over.
A Shared Language
The framework organizes possible seizure related changes into four observable domains. These domains are not used to measure disease progression or severity. Instead, they provide a standardized way to recognize patterns and communicate with your care team. We translate complex neuroscience into the specific details your doctor needs to see to perform an accurate evaluation.
Why Recognition is Difficult
- Possible seizure activity in dementia is frequently overlooked because the changes look like typical dementia progression.
- Because these events are brief and the person often returns to normal quickly, patterns are hard to see without structured tools.
- Without a shared framework, different observers describe the same event in different ways.
- The spectrum provides the shared language required to make these hidden events visible and actionable.
The Backbone of the System
The Dementia Seizure Spectrum is the clinical foundation for the SeizureSafe System. We use these evidence based domains to build the video library and observation checklists you use at home. By following this spectrum, you move from vague descriptions to the high quality data a neurologist requires. This framework ensures that your observations are validated by research and heard by your care team.
SeizureSafe™ Home
The Symptom Interpreter for Families
We provide the video examples and evidence-based tracking tools you need to stop guessing and start capturing the data needed to take action.
SeizureSafe™
The Response System for Senior Living
Standardize how your clinical team recognizes and reports events. Our research-backed framework reduces unnecessary ER transfers, prevents falls, and gives your staff the clinical confidence to provide safer care.
A Guide for Observation
The framework is designed to support recognition and clinical communication. It is not a medical diagnosis and it does not determine if a person is having a seizure. It is not used to stage disease progression or predict outcomes. Our goal is to provide the high quality observation data that helps your doctor perform a clinical evaluation. Always consult with a neurologist for a medical diagnosis.