Cognitive dysfunction is a common and important comorbidity in people with epilepsy.
Causes of cognitive problems are unknown, but genetics may be involved.
We compared NRSF and BDNF gene variants with cognition in new-onset epilepsy.
Deterioration in memory task scores from baseline was associated with genotype.
The NRSF/BDNF pathway may be relevant to cognitive function in people with epilepsy.