Examining the role of physical activity in older adults with epilepsy

Le résumé fourni par la source

• Older adults with epilepsy require unique considerations in their treatment. • Evidence for physical activity (PA) in older adults with epilepsy remains limited. • PA likely has unique benefits for older adults with epilepsy. • PA may reduce the incidence of epilepsy in older adults. • Existing evidence shows PA prevents falls and reduces neuroinflammation. Epilepsy disproportionately affects older adults due to acquired conditions including stroke, neurodegeneration and head trauma secondary to falls. Current literature lacks adequate representation of specific therapies and considerations for this cohort. Furthermore, older adults are more susceptible to the adverse effects of anti-seizure medications necessitating increased caution when treating. Non-pharmacological interventions, including physical activity (PA), are underrecognized, particularly in older adults where they may be of greatest benefit. The following narrative review describes how older adults are uniquely impacted by epilepsy and associated comorbidities. It examines the current literature with respect to PA in epilepsy and, where available, evidence for PA in older adults. This includes how PA can affect pathogenesis and reduce the incidence of epilepsy onset through the reduction of neuroinflammation. PA may also be utilized by older adults with epilepsy to improve cardiovascular function, seizure control, prevent falls and secondary head injury, as an adjunct treatment for mood disorders and cognitive decline, and to promote general well-being. PA has a large and underappreciated role to play in older adults with epilepsy and is increasingly being recognized by healthcare providers and incorporated into practice guidelines.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.