Best clinical and research practice in epilepsy of older people: Focus on antiepileptic drug adherence

Few studies have examined the issues that are specific to the older person with epilepsy, a population of increasing prominence in epilepsy management. Our understanding of the impact of epilepsy in the older person is based predominantly on what is inferred from studies of younger adults. Consequently, there is relatively little documented about the impact of epilepsy on the everyday lives of older people. In this article, we focus on adherence and its consequences for the physical, social, and psychological well-being of the older person. A number of strategies are proposed to improve adherence, including patient education through better communication between physician and patient; simplification of the medical regime; and use of extended-release formulations. This issue highlights that to ameliorate the impact of epilepsy for the older person with epilepsy, a greater understanding is required so that appropriate interventions can be tailored.