Incidence and Risk Factors of Epilepsy Among Older Adults in the US Medicare Population

What are the geographic patterns of epilepsy incidence among older adults in the US, and which area-level social and environmental determinants are associated with high-incidence regions?In this cohort study of US Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older, epilepsy incidence in 2019 varied more than 10-fold across aggregated counties. High incidence was significantly associated with contextual factors such as insufficient sleep, heat index, lack of household vehicle access, and physical inactivity.Modifiable social and environmental conditions at the local level may contribute to epilepsy incidence among older adults and could help guide targeted prevention efforts.

Corresponding Author: Weichuan Dong, PhD, DeBakey Heart wdong2@houstonmethodist.org).

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