PEOPLE over 60 are at greatest risk of epilepsy, with experts warning of an "urgent need" to improve the understanding about the condition.
A new set of resources to help seniors and their families understand epilepsy has been produced in a joint project by the Epilepsy Foundation, the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the National Ageing Research Institute.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that occurs at any age. Although most people consider epilepsy to be mostly a childhood disorder, according to the Epilepsy Foundation the biggest group affected are those in their later years.
Foundation research manager Loretta Piccenna said there was a greater incidence particularly after the age of 60 "due to changes that occur in the body and brain, for example high blood pressure, diabetes, dementia or even a stroke".
Epilepsy specialist and neurologist Patrick Kwan said it can be very difficult to diagnose epilepsy in older people.
"There are many different types of seizures that occur in epilepsy," he said.
"For people in their later years, the most common type presents with subtle signs such as a blank stare or a 'funny turn', meaning that they can often go undiagnosed."
He said it was important for family members or friends to keep an eye out for any of these signs or changes in behaviour. Any signs should be recorded in a diary or even filmed using a smartphone and provided at the next doctor's appointment.
As part of the project, a questionnaire was sent to members of the public to find out what they knew about epilepsy in older people. It found that most seniors had a very poor knowledge and understanding of the condition.
"Poor knowledge can cause significant consequences and impacts on the quality of life of people who have epilepsy, including avoiding going out to socialise or forgetting to take medication which is needed to control the condition," Dr Piccenna said.
"It is therefore essential to have the right information about epilepsy so that it can be managed appropriately and that people with the condition can be supported to live well."
The free resources include a booklet, a 10 things you should know about epilepsy in people in later years information sheet, and guides on key questions to ask, checklists for referrals, seizure first aid and epilepsy management plan templates.
They can be downloaded at www.epilepsyfoundation.org.au/resources/ or phone 1300-761-487.
