Abstracts

Older adults with epilepsy can expect to face many challenges living with this chronic health condition. Although increasing attention has been directed towards understanding the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in this age group limited information is available about specific quality of life concerns. This study investigated patient-determined quality of life concerns in older adults with chronic epilepsy. 33 community dwelling older adults (18 males/15 females; mean age =65.6, range 60-80) with partial onset epilepsy (mean age at seizure onset =37) were surveyed as to concerns of living with epilepsy. Patients were included in study if having at least 6 years of education, no history of alcohol/drug abuse, no life threatening illness, or serious illness within past three months. Participants were given a blank sheet of paper and asked to list any concerns they had about living with epilepsy. They were instructed to list their most important concern first. They were able to list as many concerns as they wanted. Concerns for seven participants were obtained through retrospective review of transcribed case study forms. A total of 31 different concerns were identified (range 1-6). Most frequently identified concern was driving/transportation restrictions (64%) followed by medication side effects (56%), safety issues (44%), cost of medications (29%), keeping job (26%), fear of embarrassment (21%), and memory loss (21%). Driving/transportation restrictions (36%) and medication side effects (21%) were listed as two most important concerns. Other concerns included restricted grandparenting role, sexual dysfunction, and recreations restrictions. Quality of life issues in older adults with chronic epilepsy appear similar to younger epilepsy groups (Gilliam et al. 1997). Driving/transportation, role restriction, employment, social embarrassment, and safety are major concerns. Medication side effects appear more concerning compared to previous studies of younger adults. This study highlights the substantial burden of living with epilepsy in older adults and points to the challenges clinicians have toward addressing them. (Supported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)