Department of Neurology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA.
Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2010 Feb;25(1):18-26. doi: 10.1177/1533317508319433. Epub 2008 May 30.
Epilepsy and seizures are more frequent in the elderly population than in any other age group. The number of individuals older than 65 is constantly increasing, and dementia is a process that predominantly affects this age group. Several studies have shown that dementia is an important risk factor for developing seizures and epilepsy. Seizure semiology in the elderly demented might differ from that of younger age groups and diagnosis can be complicated further by the variety of other causes of transient changes of alertness and behavior that affects these patients. The pharmacokinetic changes of antiepileptic drugs in the elderly make this group a major therapeutic challenge. Side effects and drug interactions play a major role in the choice of antiepileptic agents. This review intends to summarize the existing data to see whether this can help guide the clinician in the treatment and management of epilepsy in the elderly patient with dementia. Nonpharmacologic therapeutic options are also briefly considered.
癫痫和发作在老年人群中比在任何其他年龄组中更为常见。65 岁以上的人数不断增加，而痴呆是主要影响这个年龄组的一种疾病。多项研究表明，痴呆是发生癫痫和癫痫的重要危险因素。老年痴呆患者的癫痫发作症状可能与年轻人群不同，而且由于影响这些患者的其他导致意识和行为短暂改变的各种原因，诊断可能会更加复杂。抗癫痫药物在老年人中的药代动力学变化使得这一组成为一个主要的治疗挑战。副作用和药物相互作用在抗癫痫药物的选择中起着重要作用。这篇综述旨在总结现有数据，看看这是否有助于指导临床医生治疗和管理老年痴呆症伴癫痫患者。也简要考虑了非药物治疗选择。
