[Characteristics of Geriatric Epilepsy Can Include Dementia]

Japan has become a "super-aged" society, in which more than 20% of the population is over the age of 65 years. As the incidence rates of both dementia and epilepsy are high in elderly individuals, the prevalence rates of dementia and epilepsy have both increased in recent years. Dementia and epilepsy are often characterized by ambiguous symptoms, with numerous concomitant symptoms observed in these patients. Moreover, many reports indicate that the forgetfulness observed in dementia patients was actually due to the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Because Japan is currently a super-aged society, it is important to understand the characteristics of and relationships between dementia and epilepsy.