Stay informed: Discover news about the AEP

The Ethics of AI

At the end of 2023 the World Health Organisation (WHO) released a new publication listing key regulatory considerations on artificial intelligence for health. At the AEP we are using AI in our study to develop predictive tools aimed at optimising epilepsy treatment pathways. We spoke to the AEP’s AI Lead and neuroscientist, A/Prof. Mangor Pedersen, about the impact of the recent publication, the implications for research and how we are using AI in our study.

AEP Volunteer: Maureen Emslie

Maureen’s 32-year-old daughter, Samantha, was officially diagnosed with Focal Impaired Epilepsy at 14-years-old. It became evident to Sam’s family quite early in her journey that she fell into the drug-resistant epilepsy category.

Meet the AEP team: Elliot Brooker

Elliot is a valued member of the AEP Neuropsychology team and is responsible for conducting telehealth neuropsychology assessments for AEP participants and control group volunteers.

AEP Participant: Fiona Waugh

Fiona didn’t experience her first seizure until 34-years-of-age and after a further two tonic clonic seizures in as many days, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. “Since diagnosis I’ve remained drug-resistant with a high frequency of seizure activity. But I’ve always had a desire to try and get on top of it, which has led me to make some big treatment decisions over the years.”

International Women's Day 2024

International Women’s Day (IWD) was first celebrated in 1911. Today, it is not only a global day used to recognise the many achievements of women over the last hundred years, but also a day to reflect on how we can create a world where all women feel valued, inspired, and included.

Meet the AEP team: Jonas Haderlein

Meet Jonas, a valued member of the AEP Digital and Technology team. He recently completed his PhD on seizure prediction with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of Melbourne and the ARC Training Centre for Cognitive Computing in Medical Technologies.

Volunteering for the AEP: Damien's story

Damien's partner lives with epilepsy and has been a recent participant of the project. Watching her experience the ups and downs of an epilepsy diagnosis and realising you can impact people's lives through contributing to research, were the major reasons he decided to volunteer for the AEP.

AEP Research Assistant publishes first paper as lead-author

AEP Research Assistant, Remy Pugh, recently had her first paper as lead-author published in Epilepsia Open. The study explores the cognitive and psychological functioning in adults after their first seizure, but prior to an epilepsy diagnosis or treatment plan. A great achievement, congratulations to all involved.

AEP Participant: Chloe Falzon

Chloe was only recently diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing seizures over an 18 month period. Her initial seizures occurred during sleep and saw Chloe hospitalised a number of times. The results of her scans were inconclusive but additional seizures over the ensuing 12 months lead to her epilepsy diagnosis.

First AEP Health Economics paper published

The Australian Epilepsy Project’s first health economics paper based on our pilot study data has been recently published. Congratulations to all involved, including Dr Clara Marquina, Emma Foster and the AEP’s Health Economics Lead, Prof. Zanfina Ademi of Monash Uni Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Meet the AEP team: Amanda Anderson

Amanda Anderson is the Australian Epilepsy Project Lived Experience Ambassador and Participant Lead. Her lived experience enriches our study by providing practical insights that enhance the quality and impact of our research. Having also completed all the AEP testing, Amanda is well-placed to connect with participants to obtain their valuable feedback and insights into our tests and processes.

AEP Participant: Cindy Morrissey

Cindy Morrissey has only recently been diagnosed with epilepsy after an episode in 2021 was thought to be a type of stroke. She shares her epilepsy story and experience as a participant of the AEP.

The importance of seizure-free control participants in the Australian Epilepsy Project

Control participants are often used in clinical research to provide a benchmark for comparison with the health condition being studied. Associate Professor Heath Pardoe explains the importance of controls in large multi-site research studies and why at the AEP we enrol participants who don’t have epilepsy to go through the same advanced testing as our epilepsy participants.

AEP Research: What can we do now that we couldn't do before

At the 2023 Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) Conference, our team of scientists and clinicians showcased their latest research. Associate Professor Heath Pardoe, shares with us an overview of what was presented and how the team are developing cutting-edge techniques to improve epilepsy treatments.

Volunteering for the AEP: Paula's story

Paula had a brush with epilepsy a few decades ago when she developed a condition that saw her lose consciousness, seeming out of the blue. After further investigation, it was revealed she had a low blood pressure disorder, but her experience gave her a deep empathy for people with an epilepsy diagnosis, prompting her to volunteer for the AEP's control group as a way to show her support for people living with epilepsy.

AEP Participant: Rachel Parkinson

When Rachel Parkinson was diagnosed with epilepsy her quality of life rapidly declined as her seizures became more frequent. Connecting with Professor Sam Berkovic, who raised the idea of brain surgery and introduced to the AEP changed the trajectory of her condition. Now post surgery, she has reached many milestones including writing her first song; A little Part of You - a tribute to Professor Berkovic. Read her story and listen to her song.

Meet the AEP team: Elise Honey

Elise graduated from La Trobe University with First Class Honours (Bachelor of Psychological Science) and is a valued member of the AEP Neuropsychology team responsible for administering cognitive assessments for participants and control group volunteers via telehealth.

The AEP team 'More Than Top 5' podcast and book recommendations

Are you short on ideas for something to read or listen to during the festive season? Well you're in luck. We asked the AEP team to share their favourite book and podcast to share with our newsletter subscribers... we had so many recommendations we create a more than top 5 list... we hope you find something to enjoy.

Meet the AEP team: Ojasvi Argawal (OJ)

OJ is a valued member of the Australian Epilepsy Project's clinical trials team - the team that onboard our participants to the study and work with them throughout their AEP journey. OJ is passionate about creating change in healthcare and to contributing to epilepsy research.

AEP Participant: Deborah Loats

Deborah experienced her first seizure in 2021 and was referred to the AEP by the Florey's first seizure clinic. Read about her experience and why she was "delighted" to join the AEP.

Pandemic prompts improvements in access to healthcare

For the Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) the pandemic prompted transition from traditional face-to-face neuropsychology testing to teleneuropsychology (TeleNP), enabling continued safe operations during the pilot phase of the study.

Artificial Intelligence and the AEP: Optimising treatment pathways

The Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) is a multi-year research project focused on transforming the diagnosis and treatment of people living with epilepsy and is turning to AI to help achieve this.

AEP participant Kieran Champion tells his story

I found the AEP testing very interesting and enlightening. The staff were very helpful in explaining the process of the tests and it was interesting to learn about what was being examined.

Meet the AEP team – Johann Wise

Johann is an MRI Research Radiographer. He has a Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging and a Master of Medical imaging Science (MRI & CT specialisation). He is an integral member of the AEP team and a self-confessed sports enthusiast and foodie.

AEP data helping our understanding of brain dynamics

Vicky He’s research uses MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to map the location of brain functions. One example of how this works is when asking someone to perform a task such as indicating whether words rhyme - the MRI is able to show which parts of the brain are active during the task.

Meet the AEP team – Jodie Chapman

Meet Jodie Chapman, one of the Australian Epilepsy Project’s Neuropsychology Research Assistants. She is a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) and is passionate about understanding the impact mood and cognitive changes have on a person’s wellbeing.

Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) welcomes new Lived Experience Ambassadors

At the recent launch of the AEP Hub SAHMRI, we welcomed Carolyn and Ned Travers, our South Australian Lived Experience Ambassadors, to the AEP team.

SAHMRI becomes part of the AEP Hub network

This week marked the opening of the first interstate AEP Hub with SAHMRI - South Australia’s independent not-for-profit health and medical research institute - joining the network.

Meet the AEP team – Rachel Hughes

Meet Rachel Hughes, Australian Epilepsy Project’s Clinical Research Coordinator.

Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) 2022 round up

As 2022 draws to a close we reflect on the busy year we've had at the Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) and the milestones we've achieved.