Seniors and Epilepsy / Living with epilepsy as a senior

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect people of all ages, including seniors. In fact, the incidence of epilepsy tends to increase with age, particularly after the age of 65. Seniors with epilepsy may face unique challenges and health considerations related to their age and underlying medical conditions.

Old people's Epilepsy causes

Seizures and epilepsy can have many different causes. Your seizures' origin should be looked into. This will assist in determining the management and support modalities that are best for you. Older people's epilepsy frequently results from:
       • stroke
       • brain damage
       • brain cancer
       • dementia and other degenerative disorders
       • diseases that have an impact on brain function.

Other lifestyle risk factors include alcohol use, smoking, lack of sleep, stress, and depression .
It is crucial to adequately explore the etiology of seizures in order to decide on the appropriate management and support for the person experiencing them.

How Difficult Is Epilepsy for Elderly Adults?

Living with epilepsy as a senior can present unique challenges, as well as opportunities for maintaining independence and quality of life. Some seniors may have lived with epilepsy for many years, while others may be newly diagnosed in later life. Regardless of their individual circumstances, seniors with epilepsy may face a variety of physical, emotional, and social challenges, such as:
Increased risk of falls and injuries: Seizures can cause sudden loss of balance or consciousness, putting seniors at risk of falls and injuries. Taking steps to minimize the risk of falls, such as removing tripping hazards in the home, using mobility aids, and engaging in exercise to improve strength and balance, can help reduce this risk.
Memory and cognitive changes: Seizures and medication side effects can sometimes affect memory and cognitive function, making it more difficult for seniors to perform everyday tasks or remember important information. Cognitive training, memory aids, and other strategies can help mitigate these effects.
Interactions with other medications: Seniors may be taking multiple medications for other health conditions, which can increase the risk of drug interactions and side effects.
Medication management: Seniors with epilepsy may need to take multiple medications to manage their condition, which can be difficult to keep track of and may interact with other medications they are taking for other health conditions. Working closely with a healthcare provider to manage medications can help ensure that seniors receive the right doses of the right medications at the right times.
Increased risk of complications: Seniors with epilepsy may be more susceptible to complications such as pneumonia or stroke, particularly if their seizures are poorly controlled.
Social isolation: Seniors with epilepsy may feel isolated or stigmatized, particularly if they experience seizures in public or have difficulty driving or engaging in social activities. Joining a support group or connecting with other seniors with epilepsy can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.
Increased stress and anxiety: Living with a chronic condition like epilepsy can be stressful and anxiety-provoking, particularly if seniors feel like they have lost control of their lives. Relaxation techniques, stress management strategies, and counseling can help seniors cope with these feelings.

Seniors with epilepsy may benefit from specialized care that takes into account their age-related health concerns and medical history. This may include regular monitoring of medication side effects and interactions, falls prevention strategies, and cognitive assessments. With appropriate management and support, many seniors with epilepsy are able to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Seniors may do not understand Epilepsy

It is common for seniors, as well as people of all ages, to have misconceptions or misunderstandings about epilepsy. This may be due to lack of information, cultural or societal beliefs, or personal experiences with epilepsy. Some seniors may believe that epilepsy is contagious, caused by possession by evil spirits, or that it always causes convulsions.
Education and awareness are key to helping seniors understand epilepsy and how it can be managed. Healthcare providers can play an important role in providing information about epilepsy, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Seniors and their caregivers can also access educational resources through advocacy organizations and support groups.
In addition to education, it may be helpful to involve seniors in their own care and decision-making process. This can help empower seniors and make them feel more in control of their condition. Encouraging seniors to ask questions and express their concerns can also help build trust and strengthen the provider-patient relationship.

How can you help for elderly Epileptic

Caring for an elderly person with epilepsy can be challenging, but there are several ways you can provide support to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some tips for caring for an elderly epileptic:
Create a safe environment: Seizures can cause sudden loss of consciousness or balance, putting your senior family member at risk of falls and other accidents. Remove potential hazards from the person's living space to reduce the risk of injury during a seizure. This may include removing sharp objects, installing grab bars, and ensuring that the person's bed is at a safe height.
Learn about their condition: Educate yourself about epilepsy, including its causes, triggers, and symptoms. This will help you understand the person's experience and know how to respond appropriately during a seizure.
Medication management: Seizure medications can be effective in preventing seizures in many cases. Encourage the person to take their medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider. If they have difficulty remembering to take their medications, consider setting up a reminder system or pill organizer. It is important that they take their medication as prescribed and do not stop or change their medication without consulting their healthcare provider first.
Seizure monitoring: Keeping a seizure diary can help track the frequency and duration of seizures, as well as any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for seniors healthcare provider in developing a care plan that is tailored to their individual needs.
Be aware of triggers: Certain factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods or medications, can trigger seizures in some people with epilepsy. Help the person identify their triggers and avoid them when possible.
Provide emotional support: Epilepsy can be a challenging condition to live with, and your old relative with epilepsy may experience anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation. Offer emotional support and help the person access resources, such as support groups or counseling, if needed.
Have a plan for emergencies: Work with the person and their healthcare provider to develop a plan for what to do in case of a seizure or other medical emergency. This may include knowing how to administer first aid.
Lifestyle modifications: Some lifestyle modifications may be helpful in managing senior's epilepsy. This may include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding triggers that may cause seizures.
It is important to remember that every individual is unique, and the experience of living with epilepsy can vary widely. Seniors with epilepsy may have different challenges and needs than younger individuals with the condition. By taking a personalized and compassionate approach to care, healthcare providers can help seniors with epilepsy lead fulfilling and independent lives while managing their condition effectively.

How can Ayurveda help?

Ayurveda is a conventional medical system that was developed in India thousands of years ago. It focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit to achieve optimal health and well-being. Ayurveda offers many remedies and practices that can be beneficial for seniors to help manage various health issues that arise with age.
Here are some Ayurvedic practices that may be helpful for senior epileptic patients:
Triphala: Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal remedy made from three fruits, amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. It is used to promote digestion, improve eye health, and boost the immune system. Triphala can also help to relieve constipation, which is a common issue among older adults.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to help manage stress and anxiety. It can also help to boost energy levels, improve memory, and support healthy aging.
Yoga: Yoga is a form of exercise that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. It can help to improve flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as reduce stress and improve mental health. Many senior centers and community centers offer yoga classes specifically designed for older adults.
Massage: Ayurvedic massage, known as abhyanga, involves using warm oil and gentle pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system, improve circulation, and relax the body and mind. Regular massage can help to reduce pain and stiffness, improve sleep, and promote overall well-being.
Diet: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet that is tailored to each individual's needs. For older adults, this may mean eating foods that are easy to digest and rich in nutrients, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.
There is an option for everyone with epilepsy, even though not everyone with the condition should take medication. At the Neeraj Epilepsy Center, we use the best ayurvedic epilepsy treatment to care for our patients. We have a strong foundation in Ayurveda, Nature Therapy, and Allopathy, which we use to cure seizures, enhance patients' quality of life, and help them live seizure-free. Request a consultation appointment.