The aged rodent as a model for studying seizure susceptibility, epileptogenesis, and efficacy of antiseizure medications in old age

Abstract Aged laboratory mice and rats are a unique model for better understanding how the young brain differs from the aged brain and how these differences may provide insights into the mechanisms of seizures and epilepsy in older adults. Furthermore, aged rodents represent an untapped resource for discovering novel treatments for late-onset epilepsy. In this short review, I discuss representative preclinical studies to illustrate how aged rodents have enhanced our understanding of the increased susceptibility of the aged brain to seizures, epileptogenesis, and the effects of antiseizure medications.