Management of Epilepsy in Older Adults
Course details
Date: 25 October 2023 Time: 1300 – 1400 hrs (GMT) Session Type: Live, interactive ZOOM session CPD Accreditation: 3 CPD hours
Epilepsy in the elderly
According to a 2019 study, epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder affecting older adults after stroke and dementia. There are over 600,000 people in the UK with a known diagnosis of epilepsy, that being about 1 in 103 people. Shockingly, there are 21 epilepsy-related deaths every week in the UK. And the incidence of epilepsy in the elderly is increasing rapidly, partly because of the increasing prevalence of stroke, dementia, and brain tumours.
In addition to the increasing incidence of epilepsy in the elderly, special attention must be paid to take proper care of these patients due to associated age-related physiological changes, such as decreased renal and hepatic function, and the fact that many of these patients already have concomitant diseases and take many other drugs to control these problems. Furthermore, the characteristic symptoms of new-onset seizures in the elderly may be different from those in younger patients. As such, this webinar also explores the management of epilepsy in older adults and the factors to be considered to achieve effective and safe control and monitoring of epilepsy in older adults.
Course Overview
This course aims to provide healthcare professionals, caregivers, and individuals with an understanding of epilepsy in older people. Participants will gain knowledge about the unique challenges associated with epilepsy in this population and develop skills to effectively manage and support older individuals living with epilepsy. Therefore, the course will cover various topics, including the causes, diagnosis, treatment, safety considerations, for older adults with epilepsy.
Aims
This course is for healthcare professionals working in nursing homes and care facilities with older residents who are looking to enhance their current skills/knowledge and review current practice or looking to acquire new skills:
- Healthcare Professionals: This course is suitable for healthcare providers such as nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and allied health professionals who work with older adults and have a specific interest in epilepsy.
- Community Support Workers: Individuals working in community organizations, support groups, or home care agencies can expand their knowledge of epilepsy and its management in older adults. This course will equip them with tools to better support older individuals with epilepsy within their respective roles.
It is important to note that participants should have a basic understanding of epilepsy and healthcare concepts, as this course focuses on the specific considerations and challenges related to epilepsy in older people
Learning Objectives
- Develop skills in identifying seizures in older adults.
- Understand common seizure types and epidemiology of seizures.
- Recognise Signs and symptoms of seizures and risk factors for developing epilepsy in older adults.
- Develop skills in managing a patient who is having a seizure and importance of observations and patient centred care.
- Have an overview of medications used in epilepsy and interaction with other medication.
- Physical and emotional impact of epilepsy and treatment of epilepsy
- Have a working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 and how this is associates with the Resident with Epilepsy
- Know why a risk assessment is important and how to implement, document and update. Provide psychosocial support and improve the quality of life for older adults with epilepsy.
- Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to optimize care for older individuals with epilepsy.
Course Outline
- Epidemiology of epilepsy in the older population.
- Age-related changes and their impact on epilepsy.
- Common causes and risk factors of epilepsy in older adults.
- Challenges in diagnosing epilepsy in older individuals.
- Typical seizure types and their manifestations in older adults.
- Differential diagnosis and distinguishing epilepsy from other conditions.
- Role of electroencephalography (EEG) and other diagnostic tools.
- Evaluation of comorbidities and medication interactions..
- Considerations for polypharmacy and drug interactions.
- Seizure precautions and safety measures for older adults.
- Promoting independence and quality of life in older adults with epilepsy.
- Collaborating with caregivers, family members, and community support networks.
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures and presentations by subject matter experts.
- Case studies and interactive discussions.
- Reading materials, including research articles and guidelines.
Assessment and Certification
A certificate of completion will be provided to participants on course completion.
Other courses for those working with older adults or in nursing homes
Section
This is a recorded webinar
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