Clinical Geriatrics

This activity is supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.

Target Audience:
This program is intended for family practitioners and gerontologists.

Credits:
1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:
• Characterize the unique aspects of seizure presentations in the older adult, and differentiate the presentation of seizures from other conditions.
• List the aspects of seizure diagnosis and treatment that patients should be aware of in order to make informed decisions about therapeutic choices.
• Discuss ways in which physicians can assist older patients diagnosed with epilepsy to maintain independence.
• Address the stigma of epilepsy, quality-of-life issues, depression, social issues, driving, and resources available in the community.
• Discuss adverse effects and drug interactions when treating epilepsy in older adults.
• Utilize the knowledge gained to enhance physicians’ provision of care to patients.
• Describe the epidemiology, clinical course,work-up, and age-related pharmacokinetic challenges in older adults with epilepsy.
• Review advantages and disadvantages of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in older adults, and summarize the results of safety/efficacy class I studies involving use of AEDs to treat seizures in older adults.

Release Date:
June 15, 2007

Expiration Date:
June 14, 2008

Method of Participation:
Read the journal article, complete the post-activity test and evaluation form, and return both to:
North American Center for CME
83 General Warren Blvd., #100
Malvern, PA 19355
Fax: (610) 560-0501

Successful Completion:
Successful completion entails participants obtaining a score of at least 70% on the post-test.A certificate of completion will be mailed to the address listed on your post-test/evaluation form within 6 weeks of receipt of the documents.

Accreditation:
MD/DO:This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education and The Epilepsy Foundation. The North American Center for Continuing Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians and takes responsibility for the content, quality and scientific integrity of this CME activity. NACCME designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity has been planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Essential Areas and Policies.

Faculty Disclosures:
All those with control over the content of continuing education programs sponsored by the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education are expected to disclose to the meeting audience any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest related to the content of their presentation. It is not assumed that these financial interests or affiliations will have an adverse impact on presentations; they are simply noted here to fully inform participants.

Dr. Sirven has disclosed that he has received research support from NeuroPace, Inc. and UCB Pharma.

Dr. McAuley has disclosed that he has no significant financial relationship with any organization that could be perceived as a real or apparent conflict of interest in the context of his article.

Dr. Uthman has disclosed that he has received grant/research support is a consultant and member of the speakers’ bureau for Cyberonics, Inc., Pfizer Inc, Abbott Laboratories, OrthoMcNeil, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and UCB. He is a scientific advisor for the Epilepsy Foundation.