“Study Reveals Impact of Late-Onset Epilepsy on Healthcare Use in Seniors”
A recent study has shed light on the rising issue of late-onset epilepsy (LOE) in older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above. The researchers were curious about how this condition affects health care usage before and after a diagnosis. By examining a large dataset of health records from the UK between 1998 and 2019, they compared the health care utilization of individuals diagnosed with LOE to a group of similar individuals without the condition.
The findings were quite revealing. Before receiving a diagnosis, people with LOE were visiting health care facilities significantly more often—about 32 additional visits per patient per year compared to others. However, after the diagnosis, the number of visits dropped sharply, by an average of 60 visits per patient per year. This pattern suggests that many patients were possibly seeking care for symptoms leading up to their LOE diagnosis, such as falls or cognitive changes, which can trigger increased medical visits.
After the diagnosis, the researchers noted that health care usage remained elevated for those with LOE compared to their matched controls. In fact, the amount of care they received in emergency rooms, outpatient settings, and hospital admissions was significantly higher, indicating that the condition requires ongoing management and care. Specifically, the study found that these patients had a 72% higher rate of health care use after being diagnosed with LOE compared to similar individuals who didn’t have the condition.
This research highlights an important trend: as more older adults are diagnosed with LOE, their health care needs and usage patterns shift dramatically, especially in the years approaching diagnosis. It raises questions about what drives this increased health care demand—whether it’s the epilepsy itself, other health issues, or a mix of both. Understanding these dynamics could help improve care strategies for this growing population and ensure that they receive the right support during such a critical time in their lives.