Age-related differences in quality of life among people with epilepsy: an exploratory cross-sectional analysis of an Australian community sample

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy and ageing is an under-researched area particularly the Quality of Life (QoL) of older people with epilepsy (PWE). The effects of age on QoL needs an appreciation of the social and material context (Australia). METHOD: The Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Study (AELS) into the Social Impact of Epilepsy is repeated every three years. Wave 6 of the AELS analysed the extent to which age differences explain QoL and particularly QoL outcomes for older PWE. For this the QOLIE-31 was used. RESULTS: Older age led significantly to increasing QoL compared to younger adults. The dimension of QOLIE-31 Energy/fatigue and 3 other dimensions had the greatest difference between older and younger PWE. These were Social Function, Cognition and Emotional Well-being. Seizures led to lower QoL for older PWE and those 39-59 years compared to the youngest adults (aged 18-38 years) where seizures did not have a significant effect on QoL. Tangible supports of older people were significantly lower in their effect on QoL than for younger adults. For older PWE only, increased anti-seizure medication (ASM) use led significantly to lower QoL Living in the City benefitted 39-59 year olds in terms of affectionate support. This was not the case for younger or older PWE. CONCLUSION: For older PWE certain issues need to be addressed such as comorbidities, depression and recognizing the value of social support. These should be in the context of the social impact of epilepsy.