Late-onset epilepsy is associated with more than a two-fold higher risk of death

Takeaway

• Adults with late-onset epilepsy are more than twice as likely to die compared to those who do not develop epilepsy.

Why this matters

This novel study highlights that older adults who develop late-onset epilepsy are at increased risk of mortality compared to those who do not, with most of the excess risk attributable to stroke and dementia. These findings suggest that addressing modifiable vascular risk factors with lifestyle and medication changes could help to reduce mortality in at-risk individuals.