Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program (HAP-E): Closing the Gap in Geriatric Epilepsy Care

Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru, Cleveland OH

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The overall goal of this K23 proposal is to support Anny Reyes, Ph.D., in the development of a research program focused on extending access to geriatric epilepsy care by developing stakeholder-informed interventions. Despite close to one million older adults with active epilepsy in the U.S. and over 5.8 million with dementia, there are no educational programs or interventions on aging and dementia for older adults with epilepsy. As the aging population continues to increase, the lack of health-related educational resources for older adults with epilepsy presents a significant healthcare concern. Despite individuals with epilepsy being at increased risk for developing dementia, cognitive decline often goes unnoticed with delays in diagnoses and referrals to memory disorders clinics. The Institute of Medicine has highlighted the urgency of addressing the unmet needs of individuals living with epilepsy by improving patient and family/caregiver education. Thus, older adults with epilepsy and their families/caregivers will be better served by our healthcare system if they are empowered with knowledge, skills, and tools regarding information on aging and dementia, dementia modifiable risk factors, and chronic disease management. To address this critical gap in care, Dr. Reyes is proposing developing the Healthy Aging in People with Epilepsy Program (HAP-E), a community-informed group-based educational program for older adults living with epilepsy. The Specific Aims of this proposal are Aim 1: Determine stakeholders' needs, preferences, and barriers to accessing geriatric epilepsy care through focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and surveys. Aim 2: To develop a group-based educational program on healthy aging and dementia for older adults living with epilepsy based on findings from Aim 1. Aim 3: To Pilot test HAP-E in a representative cohort to determine acceptability, satisfaction, and preliminary effectiveness, including knowledge of dementia and recognition of symptoms, epilepsy self-management, and attitudes about aging. The proposed research will lay the foundation for the submission of an R01 on a randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness of HAP-E in improving long-term cognitive, health, and well-being outcomes in older adults with epilepsy. The K23 proposal outlines a comprehensive plan for mentoring, training, and research to support Dr. Reyes's transition into an independent investigator specializing in community-engaged research methods, as well as the development and implementation of interventions for neurological disorders. Dr. Reyes has already made significant contributions to epilepsy research, and by the conclusion of this award, she will be well-equipped to advance NINDS’s mission by developing targeted strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of epilepsy on brain health and quality of life.