Excess Prevalence of Preexisting Chronic Conditions in Older Adults with Incident Epilepsy

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University have published a study examining the prevalence of chronic conditions in older adults with incident epilepsy. The investigation aimed to identify the chronic conditions with which older adults present at epilepsy incidence, assisting with the evaluation of disease burden in this patient population and informing coordinated care development. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA and the Centers for Disease Control and Health and Human Services (CDC/HHS), the study found excess prevalence of most preexisting chronic conditions in beneficiaries with incident epilepsy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified excess prevalence of most preexisting chronic conditions in beneficiaries with incident epilepsy, with a higher prevalence rate for younger age groups compared to older age groups, and for Hispanic beneficiaries compared to both non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries.
  • Beneficiaries with incident epilepsy in 2019 had a higher prevalence rate for preexisting neurological conditions (APRR = 3.17), substance use disorders (APRR = 3.00), and psychiatric disorders (APRR = 1.98) compared to those without epilepsy.
  • The adjusted prevalence rate ratio (APRR) for stroke was 4.82 (99% CI:4.60, 5.04), indicating that beneficiaries with incident epilepsy had 4.82 times the stroke prevalence compared to those without epilepsy.
  • The study found significant variations in excess chronic condition prevalence by age, sex, and race/ethnicity, adjusting for the racial/ethnic oversampling.
  • The findings highlight the importance of health promotion and prevention, multidisciplinary care, and elucidating shared pathophysiology to identify opportunities for prevention.

Statistics:

  • 4,999,999 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years were included in the study.
  • 20,545 beneficiaries with incident epilepsy wereidentified, with a weighted n of 19,631.
  • The stroke prevalence rate ratio was 4.82 (99% CI:4.60, 5.04).
  • The prevalence rate for preexisting neurological conditions was 3.17 (99% CI:3.08-3.27).
  • The prevalence rate for substance use disorders was 3.00 (99% CI:2.81-3.19).
  • The prevalence rate for psychiatric disorders was 1.98 (99% CI:1.94-2.01).

Sources:

  • Epilepsia, 2024.
  • Excess Prevalence of Preexisting Chronic Conditions In Older Adults With Incident Epilepsy.