Psychosocial Impact of Epilepsy in Older Adults.

Rinu Manacheril,David Labiner,Kendra Drake,Jenny Chong,Urooba Faheem

doi:10.3390/healthcare3041271

Rinu Manacheril, David Labiner + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare3041271

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Journal: Healthcare	Publication Date: Dec 18, 2015
Citations: 29	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of our study was to describe the quality of life of older adults with seizures or epilepsy and compare its psychosocial impact between those who were new diagnosed and those diagnosed before the age of 65. Methods: In-depth face to face interviews with open ended questions were conducted with two participant groups: Incident group: 42 older adults (>65 years) with new onset or newly diagnosed after age of 65; and Prevalent group: 15 older adults (>65 years) diagnosed before age of 65. Interviews were reviewed and coded using a list of themes and results were compared between the two groups. Eight topics were selected from the participants’ responses to questions about the psychosocial impact of epilepsy and seizures. The topics were then analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The topics analyzed were: Emotional and physical impact, significant life changes, co-morbidities, information gathering, stigma, AED side effects, changes in relationships and attitude toward diagnosis. Conclusion: We concluded that the age at onset and duration does seem to have a negative correlation with health related quality of life. However, the perceived health status of older adults with chronic epilepsy was significantly better and reflected in their more positive approach to the diagnosis of seizures or epilepsy probably because they have had a longer opportunity to learn to cope with their diagnosis.

Highlights

Epilepsy affects over 3 million people in the United States, with approximately 150,000 new cases each year
The Incident group consisted of 42 participants with new onset seizures or were newly diagnosed after the age of 65, while the Prevalent group consisted of 15 older adults over the age of 65 with seizures diagnosed before the age of 65
From the topics that were explored, we conclude that age at onset and duration does seem to be negatively correlated with health related quality of life; the perceived health status of older adults with chronic epilepsy was significantly better because they have had a longer opportunity to learn to cope with their diagnosis

Summary

Introduction

Epilepsy affects over 3 million people in the United States, with approximately 150,000 new cases each year. The incidence of epilepsy is bimodal being higher in the young and the old. The incidence is greatest among older adults (>55 years) primarily because some age related co-morbidities are epilepsy risk factors [1]. Epilepsy in older adults presents with its own set of unique challenges. Neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular, neoplastic and psychiatric co-morbidities often complicate the clinical picture among this population with epilepsy [2]. Epilepsy interferes with issues vital to older adults such as being an active member of society, maintaining physical and mental capacities, and retaining autonomy, all of which are associated with successful aging [3,4]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion