Epilepsy and aging

Abstract

Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder of old age and a substantial public health problem. As the elderly population rises, the elderly will account for a large percentage of all new-onset seizures. However, while the study of epilepsy in adults in general has led to major advances in neuropsychology, epilepsy in the aged has been one of the more neglected areas within the field. Geriatric epilepsy is now an emerging field for all health-care practitioners, including neuropsychologists. Patient management requires assessment and treatment of cognitive and functional impairment and psychological issues. A thorough assessment of cognitive function is essential in discriminating epilepsy from classic progressive dementias and for assessing functioning prior to treatments for seizures once they are diagnosed. Neuropsychological assessment plays an important role to characterize cognitive impairments, reveal preserved abilities, help monitor medication treatment, track for coexistence of MCI or dementia, and assess for emotional distress.