title: Older people and knowledge of epilepsy: GPs can help.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epilepsy is a common neurological disease with a high prevalence in people aged 65 years or older. Therefore, an understanding of the disease is important. The objective of this article was to determine older people's knowledge of epilepsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Electronic or paper-based surveys were completed by people aged 65 years and older.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five hundred and seventy-two surveys were completed, including 100 from people with epilepsy. Those with epilepsy had relatively poor knowledge of their condition, but they answered some questions significantly more correctly than participants without epilepsy. The main predictor of knowledge was clear information from a health professional. Two-thirds of those with epilepsy had their condition managed by a general practitioner.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Older people with epilepsy need more information on their condition to facilitate better care management.
authors.forename: Chris L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Piccenna
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Batchelor
authors.forename: Briony
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dow
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shears
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires