Epilepsy is one of those conditions that often flies under the radar until it directly impacts someone you care about.
The question of whether epilepsy gets worse with age is a common one, and it’s one worth exploring. So, does epilepsy get worse as you age?
The truth is, it can, but it doesn’t always happen in the same way for everyone. Whether epilepsy worsens or improves with age depends on several factors, from the type of epilepsy you have, how old you were when you were diagnosed, to your overall health and how well your seizures are managed.
In this article, we’ll explore how epilepsy might change as you get older, why it may get worse, and what you can do to keep things under control. Whether you have epilepsy yourself, or you’re supporting someone who does, understanding how the condition evolves is important in managing it.
Does Epilepsy Get Worse With Age?
Now to the big question: Does epilepsy get worse with age? Well, the answer is complicated.
Seizure Frequency: A Mixed Bag
For some people with epilepsy, seizures can become less frequent or more controlled as they age. For others, they may get worse.
It depends on a variety of factors, including the type of epilepsy you have, how well you’re managing it, and your general health as you age.
What Happens When Epilepsy Gets Worse?
If epilepsy does get worse with age, it’s usually because of a combination of factors. For example, age-related changes in the brain can make seizures harder to control. As you age, the electrical pathways in your brain may change, making them more prone to triggering seizures.
In some cases, epilepsy that was previously well-controlled with medication may become more difficult to manage as you age.
This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve been seizure-free for a long time. But with the right treatment, it’s still possible to regain control.
Types of Epilepsy and Their Long-Term Progression
Not all types of epilepsy are created equal. Some forms of epilepsy are more likely to worsen with age, while others may improve or stabilize.
Let’s take a look at some of the common types of epilepsy and how they might progress over time:
- Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: This is one of the most common types of epilepsy, and unfortunately, it can get worse over time. Seizures may increase in frequency, and some individuals might develop additional symptoms like memory loss or changes in mood. However, with proper treatment, many people are able to manage the condition effectively.
- Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME): This type of epilepsy typically starts in adolescence, and the seizures usually involve jerking movements of the arms and legs. Some people with JME may experience a reduction in seizure frequency as they age, while others may continue to experience seizures well into adulthood.
- Childhood Absence Epilepsy: For children diagnosed with this type of epilepsy, the good news is that it often improves as they grow older. Many children outgrow the condition by the time they reach their teen years. However, some may experience lingering issues such as attention problems or learning difficulties.
- Frontal Lobe Epilepsy: Seizures in the frontal lobe of the brain can be difficult to control, and this type of epilepsy may worsen over time. Individuals with frontal lobe epilepsy may experience changes in behavior or personality, and their seizures may become more frequent.
What Makes Epilepsy Worse as You Age?
While it’s clear that epilepsy can get worse with age, there are several factors that can accelerate this process. Understanding these factors is key to managing your epilepsy and preventing it from getting worse.
1. Changes in the Brain
As you age, your brain goes through a variety of changes. Brain cells die off, and neural connections become less efficient. These changes can make the brain more prone to abnormal electrical activity, leading to more frequent or severe seizures.
2. Medications and Side Effects
Medications are an essential part of managing epilepsy. But as you age, your body processes medications differently. What worked for you in your 20s may not work the same way in your 50s or 60s.
Older adults are also more likely to experience side effects from anti-seizure medications, and these side effects can impact your overall health.
For example, certain medications may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or even memory problems. These side effects can make it harder to manage seizures effectively.
3. Co-Existing Health Conditions
As we get older, other health issues tend to crop up. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease can complicate the management of epilepsy. Some of these conditions may even interfere with the effectiveness of your epilepsy medications.
Other neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, can impact the way your brain works, making it harder to manage seizures.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Poor lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough sleep, high levels of stress, or drinking too much alcohol, can trigger seizures.
As we age, we may not take as good care of ourselves as we should. This can exacerbate epilepsy and make it harder to control.
Can Epilepsy Improve as You Age?
On the flip side, epilepsy can improve with age in some cases. If you were diagnosed with epilepsy as a child, there’s a good chance that your seizures will become less frequent as you grow older. Many children outgrow epilepsy altogether by the time they reach adulthood.
Even if your epilepsy doesn’t completely go away, it may become more manageable as you age, especially if you’ve been able to find the right treatment and lifestyle changes that work for you.
How to Manage Epilepsy as You Age
Whether your epilepsy is improving or worsening with age, there are several steps you can take to keep it under control and improve your quality of life.
1. Work Closely With Your Doctor
As you age, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to make sure your treatment plan is still effective.
Seizures might require adjustments to your medication as your body changes. Be open with your doctor about any side effects you’re experiencing or changes you’ve noticed in your seizure pattern.
2. Monitor Your Seizure Triggers
Everyone with epilepsy has different seizure triggers. It’s important to be aware of what might be setting off your seizures. Common triggers include stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, alcohol, or certain medications.
As you age, it may become more difficult to manage these triggers, but being proactive about them can help you minimize seizure episodes.
3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Taking care of your overall health can go a long way in managing epilepsy. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and recreational drugs is also essential, as these substances can trigger seizures.
Real-Life Experiences
I’ve spoken with many people over the years who have epilepsy, and their experiences highlight just how unique this condition can be.
Some people I know have experienced a reduction in seizures over time, while others have had their seizures become more frequent or harder to control.
Fara, a friend of mine, was diagnosed with epilepsy in her 30s. For years, her seizures were under control with medication. But as she entered her 50s, things changed. She started experiencing more frequent seizures and had to adjust her medication. But Fara didn’t give up. She worked closely with her doctor to find the right balance and also made lifestyle changes—like getting more sleep and managing stress. Over time, she regained control of her seizures, proving that with the right approach, you can manage epilepsy, even as you age.
The Bottom Line
So, does epilepsy get worse with age? It can, but not always. The progression of epilepsy depends on various factors, such as the type of epilepsy you have, how old you were when you were diagnosed, and your overall health as you get older. Some people experience fewer seizures as they age, while others may struggle to manage their epilepsy.
The key to keeping epilepsy under control as you age is working closely with your doctor, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and being mindful of potential triggers. And remember, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of support out there for people living with epilepsy.
If you or someone you know is living with epilepsy, take comfort in knowing that with the right care and support, it is possible to live a full and fulfilling life, even as you age.
