Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in institutionalised intellectually disabled individuals

Gastrointestinal disorders in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

“…In children with CP, the chronic dysphagia arising from GERD may be confused with behavioral food avoidance or aversion. Food related behavior problems and rumination are common and found in about 40% of children with GERD [Bohmer et al, 1997] and so should also prompt a search for GER in children with neurological impairment. Alternatively, the discomfort from peptic esophagitis may manifest itself in chronic irritability and crying or, much more rarely, as dystonic movements of the face and neck [Sutcliffe, 1969].…”

Caring for adults with intellectual disabilities: perceived challenges for nurses in accident and emergency units

“…Evidence shows that respiratory disease continues to be the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality within this population, whilst cardiovascular disease is more prevalent in the general population (NHS Scotland 2004). Bohmer et al (1999) reported an increased presence of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter Pylori in intellectual disability, in which early detection and management is crucial to both improving the quality of life and to reducing the risk of peptic ulceration and gastric cancer (McColl et al 1998). Furthermore, Scott et al (1998) indicated an increase in dental disease within intellectually disabled people.…”

“…The research indicates that people with learning disabilities have greater healthcare needs than the general population with many of these needs remaining unmet (Van Schrojenstein Lantman-de Valk et al 1997, Center et al 1998, Scott et al 1998, Barr et al 1999, Bohmer et al 1999, Webb & Rodgers 1999, Hunt et al 2001, Cassidy et al 2002. In addition, the efforts to address these healthcare deficits continue to pose significant challenges to healthcare services, with many professionals within mainstream health services having a little or no education about intellectual disability (NHS Executive 1999, Horwitz et al 2000, DoH 2001, NHS Scotland 2002, DHSSPS 2004.…”

“…This change in service provision reflects similar actions in many international countries including America, Canada, Australia and Scandinavian countries, addressing a commitment to provide health and social care in mainstream services that embrace the principles of rights, independence, choice and social inclusion rather than exclusion [Scottish Executive 1999, Horwitz et al 2000 Yet, national and international evidence suggests that mainstream services are ill equipped to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. The research indicates that people with learning disabilities have greater healthcare needs than the general population with many of these needs remaining unmet (Van Schrojenstein Lantman-de Valk et al 1997, Center et al 1998, Scott et al 1998, Barr et al 1999, Bohmer et al 1999, Webb & Rodgers 1999, Hunt et al 2001, Cassidy et al 2002. In addition, the efforts to address these healthcare deficits continue to pose significant challenges to healthcare services, with many professionals within mainstream health services having a little or no education about intellectual disability (NHS Executive 1999, Horwitz et al 2000, DoH 2001, NHS Scotland 2002, DHSSPS 2004.…”

Prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in adult clients with pervasive developmental disorders

“…Several of Bohmer’s studies (Bohmer et al . 1997a,b, 2000a, 2001) show an elevated prevalence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in intellectually disabled individuals.…”