Assessment of quality of life among the elderly with epilepsy

Epilepsy Behav. 2008 Feb;12(2):257-61. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2007.09.003. Epub 2007 Nov 7.

Abstract

As the elderly represent the most rapidly growing population in the United States, it is critical that physicians are capable of managing their chronic illnesses, including epilepsy. Optimal treatment of epilepsy integrates an understanding of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), yet limited information is available to guide HRQOL issues among the elderly. This study found that seniors with epilepsy do not have poorer HRQOL compared with general epilepsy populations. However, when compared with general populations without epilepsy, seniors with epilepsy report a significantly lower HRQOL across all domains. Multiple factors may uniquely affect HRQOL among elderly populations with epilepsy: aging, comorbid conditions, and epilepsy variables. However, to our knowledge, no one instrument addresses all of these aspects. The development of HRQOL instruments specifically for an elderly population with epilepsy may be useful and needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*