Epilepsy in old age has two complications: first, it can accelerate the natural decline in cognitive functions, and second, it is dangerous in terms of fractures, which can be fatal in old age. Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences, vice president of the Russian “Association of Epileptologists and Patients”, scientific curator of the Center for Neurology, Epileptology and Paroxysmal Conditions of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution No. 2 of the Russian Scientific Surgical Center named after Academician BV this is Gazeta He told .Ru. Petrovsky, epileptologist Kira Voronkova.
“After the age of 60, a person experiences a natural decline in cognitive functions due to various reasons, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Epilepsy can accelerate this decline but cannot cause it. He won’t have time to do this on his own. Previously, when there was no effective method of treating the disease and the sick person was subjected to constant attacks, it could break down and deteriorate. “Today, with appropriate treatment, a patient can easily live up to 90 years,” he said.
According to him, the risk of fracture as a result of falling during an epileptic attack is the most dangerous complication that doctors try to prevent.
“One of the most important complications is fractures resulting from falls. Usually, people are diagnosed with osteoporosis (decreased bone density) after the age of 60, so a fall can result in a fatal fracture,” concluded the epileptologist.
Read more about why epilepsy occurs, when an attack can begin, why epilepsy can begin after 60 years and why it is dangerous – in report Voronkova “socialbites.ca”.
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