Statistics for Seniors Living with EpilepsyEach day in Canada,
an average of 38 people learn that they have epilepsy.
In one year,
an average of 14,000 people learn that they have epilepsy.
60% of new patients are young children or senior citizens.
Approximately 25% of newly identified cases of epilepsy
occur in persons 60 years of age and older.
Sander JWA, Hart YM, Johnson AL, et al.
National general practice study of epilepsy: newly diagnosed epileptic seizures in a general population.
Lancet 1990;336:1267.
Between 2011 and 2031,
the largest generation in Canadian history - the "Baby Boomers" - will be turning 65.
Statistics Canada estimates that the number of Canadian seniors will nearly double,
growing from 12% today to more than 23% of the population.
Among seniors epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder,
after dementia and stroke.
The prevalence of epilepsy in persons over the age of 65 is approximately 7% - 1 in 14 seniors.
Recent population-based studies show that
the incidence of epilepsy increases sharply
among persons older than 60 years of age,
and is higher in the elderly than in children.
Hauser WA, Annegers JF, Kurland LT.
Incidence of epilepsy and unprovoked seizures in Rochester, Minnesota: 1935-1984.
Epilepsia 1993;34:453.
British studies show that the incidence of epilepsy among persons older than 60 years of age
is higher than among persons younger than 20 years of age.
Tallis R, Hall G, Craig I, et al.
How common are epileptic seizures in old age?
Age Ageing 1991;20:442.
Epilepsy in older people has its own special risks:
The high incidence of injury, many from seizure-related falls, translates into multiple hospitalizations and frequent visits to an emergency room.
Prolonged periods of confusion following seizures can put a senior at risk of wandering away, being victimized in a crime or abused.
Repeated seizures can have a great impact on daily activities and unfortunately for some may lead to a loss of independent living.
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