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How common are epileptic seizures in old age?
1University of Manchester Department of Geriatric Medicine, Hope Hospital, Salford.
Age and Ageing
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Epilepsy and epileptic seizures are more common in older adults. Incidence and prevalence increase significantly with age, particularly over 60, impacting healthcare services for the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epilepsy prevalence and incidence vary across age groups.
- Understanding age-specific epilepsy patterns is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and prevalence of epilepsy in older adults compared to the general population.
- To analyze age-associated trends in epileptic seizures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a large primary-care computerized database.
- Analyzed diagnostic data to identify epilepsy and epileptic seizures.
- Compared rates in different age cohorts (sexagenarians, septuagenarians, over 80s) with the general population.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of epileptic seizures was higher in older age groups (10.9-13.1/1000) versus the general population (9.0/1000).
- Annual incidence of epilepsy rose sharply in old age (76-159/100,000) compared to the general population (69/100,000).
- Over 60s constituted 35.5% of new epilepsy cases requiring treatment.
Conclusions:
- Epilepsy and epileptic seizures show a marked increase in prevalence and incidence in elderly populations.
- Findings align with increased cerebrovascular disease in older adults.
- Results highlight the need for improved healthcare services, medical education, and targeted epilepsy research for the elderly.