Mood & Perception
It is common for older people who are being treated for epilepsy to suffer from confusion and inability to remember certain things. Treatments, along with alterations in the senses (smell, touch), language, memory and higher cognitive functions (decision making) all affect seniors with epilepsy. This declining intellectual function may lead to poor compliance.
Depression or even thoughts of suicide in a person with epilepsy are not uncommon. The important thing to know is that these negative feelings can be treated.
Specific Reasons for Alteration in Mood and Perception
- Toxicity — If the level of medication in the blood is too high, it can cause changes in mental alertness, mood and memory. It takes older people longer to absorb and eliminate medications from the body. This may cause the level of medication in the blood to rise.
- Drug interactions — Seniors may be taking other medications along with the antiepileptic medication. Some drugs carry the risk of affecting people's mood and perception. Your doctor must know of any medications you are taking so that drug interaction can be prevented.
- Sensitivity — Seniors may be more sensitive to the depressive aspects of a drug or combinations of drugs. This leads to changes in mood and behaviour. Your doctor should be told of any unusual behaviour or symptoms so that the medication can be checked and/or changed.
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