Further investigation, attention to mental health issues and the development of treatment guidelines that recognize chronic condition disease load are critical to mitigating the negative impact of multiple chronic conditions and preventing additional disability in adults with ID as they age.
The previously reported high risk levels for dementia among people with Down syndrome were confirmed in this data as was the relationship with late onset epilepsy. The value of the instruments utilised in tracking decline and helping to confirm diagnosis is further highlighted.
The use of mortality ratios rather than average age at death alone is recommended, as well as greater standardization in use of data sets including the whole population, given high levels of earlier deaths in people with intellectual disability.
Background
Many risk factors have been confirmed for poor bone health among the general population including age, gender and corticosteroid use. There is a paucity of investigation among people with intellectual disability; however, research points to differing risks namely anti‐epileptic medication use, Down syndrome and poor behaviour lifestyle.
Methods
Data was extracted from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing in Ireland. In total, 753 participants took part, and data was gathered on participants' health status, behavioural health, health screenings and activities of daily living. The prevalence of osteoporosis and related risk factors were specifically examined.
Results
Overall, 8.1% reported a doctor's diagnosis of osteoporosis with over 20% reporting history of fracture. Risk identified included older age (P < 0.0001), female gender (P < 0.0001), difficulty walking (P < 0.0001) with older age and being female the stronger predictors for osteoporosis, odds ratio = 6.53; 95% confidence interval 2.82–15.11 and odds ratio = 4.58; 95% confidence interval 2.29–9.17, respectively. There was no gender difference regarding the level of fractures; however, epilepsy and anti‐epileptic medication were strong predictors. Overall, 11.1% attended for bone screening diagnostics.
Conclusion
Despite low levels of reported doctor's diagnosis of osteoporosis risk factor prevalence was high. Considering the insidious nature of osteoporosis and the low levels of diagnostic screening, prevalence could be possibly higher.
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