Community Corner: Seizures in Older People

Learn about:

• What is dementia?
• Is dementia linked to epilepsy?
• Do people with Alzheimer's disease have a greater risk of developing seizures?
• What should caregivers/loved ones of people with dementia know about seizures and dementia?
• Where can you get more information about seizures in older people?

This week, the spotlight is on older people who develop seizures. What’s the risk? Do seizures occur more frequently in people with dementia than in an older person doesn’t have this? Dr. Sirven reviewed an article by Dr. Sherzai and colleagues that examined the risk of epilepsy in people with dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are over 55 or you have a parent or loved one who is over 55 and has seizures or dementia, what does this mean for you? (Personally, I don’t think age 55 is “old,” but this was the age used in the study!)

First, what is dementia?

Dementia is not one specific disease. The term refers to symptoms that can be caused by many different brain disorders. Generally, symptoms include a severe loss or problems with a person’s intellectual abilities, personality and behavior that affect a person’s normal activities, relationships and daily life. It can affect a person’s memory, abilities to solve problems and make decisions, or their feelings and how they behave. Dementia may be caused by a damage or loss of neurons in certain parts of the brain. Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the disorders that may cause dementia. Other medical conditions can cause dementia or lead to similar symptoms too.

Is dementia linked to epilepsy?

Symptoms of dementia can sound similar to problems that some people with certain types of epilepsy may experience. Essentially, the underlying neurological problem that is giving rise to epilepsy can also affect other brain functions and give rise to symptoms of dementia.

Do people with Alzheimer’s disease have a greater risk of developing seizures?

• Yes, it does appear that people with dementia from Alzheimer’s disease are at greater risk of developing epilepsy than people with dementia from other causes. But everyone with Alzheimer’s disease will not develop seizures.

What should caregivers/loved ones of people with dementia know about seizures and dementia?

• People with Alzheimer’s disease who have episodic events for unknown reasons should be checked for possible seizures.

• Since frequent seizures can affect memory, thinking and behavior, treating seizures properly and promptly is important to prevent further cognitive problems related to the epilepsy.

• The choice of seizure medications in an older person with dementia should take into account whether the medication could affect thinking, memory or behavior in a negative way. If so, ask your healthcare team to consider a medicine that does not have these side effects.

• Since depression can be a common problem in people with seizures or in people with dementia, have this checked out too if mood changes occur. Proper treatment of mood problems is very important and affects a person’s quality of life greatly!

Where can I get more information about seizures in older people?

• Visit Seniors and Epilepsy to learn more.

• Here’s more information about Cognitive Problems and Epilepsy

• People who have cognitive problems or wonder if they have a form of dementia should talk to their doctor. Neuropsychological tests may be done to help identify problems a person may have, how this may affect treatment, and strategies that may help.

Keep in mind, we usually think about seizures beginning in young children. Yet, seizures are a very common problem for people as they get older or develop other health problems. Let’s stay informed!

Best wishes for a safe week! Happy 4th of July!

Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN
Associate Editor/Community Manager
Epilepsy.com