Osteoporosis and People with Down Syndrome: A Preliminary Descriptive Examination of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing Wave 1 Results

Abstract

Background: People with Down syndrome (DS) are a high "at risk" group to develop osteoporosis. Increased morbidity associated with older age, higher prevalence of Alzheimer dementia, hypotonia, hypogonadism, and thyroid disease, are all features of DS and predispose this cohort to musculoskeletal complications. Methods: The Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) is a representative study of the aging of adults with intellectual disability in Ireland. The sample (N = 753) included 147 people with DS. Data was gathered on participants' health status, behavioural health, health screenings and activities of daily living. The prevalence of osteoporosis and related risk factors among people with DS was specifically examined. Findings: Of the 147 participants with DS, 9.4% reported a doctor's diagnosis of osteoporosis; a much lower figure than prevalence of risk factors would suggest. Predisposing factors identified included higher than general population rates of thyroid disease (37.4%), epilepsy (19.3%), sedentary lifestyle (51.7%) and the majority of the females reporting having experienced menopause (61%). Bone health screening was low at (8%) despite the presence of such high levels of risk factors in this population. Conclusion: Given the risk factor findings and the hidden nature of osteoporosis, underreported incidence among people with Down syndrome seems probable. Further investigations and systematic screening are required.

Challenges faced by women with learning disabilities, when they reach the menopause transition

“…This places affected patients in a high risk group for fractures. The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging 13 published data on osteoporosis in patients with trisomy 21. Detection of osteoporosis was low (FRAX score and DEXA frequently not measured), but the incidence of fractures was high.…”

Nature and extent of intellectual disability nursing research in Ireland: a scoping review to inform health and health service research

“…18 32 This can be evidenced in practice-based publications and can be built on through research relating to nursing interventions. 33 Such endeavour would ensure an alignment with national policies including the development of graduate to advanced nursing and midwifery practice 34 and health service Older adults the association of life events 103 Biopsychosocial factors associated with depression and anxiety 104 Dementia Down syndrome [105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112] Patterns of multimorbidity in older persons 113 Emotional health Self-determination and emotional wellbeing in older adults 114 Loneliness in older people 115 Problem behaviours among older adults 116 Determinants of aggression 117 Prevalence of aggressive behaviour 118 119 Physical health Bone health [120][121][122] Epilepsy 123 Nutrition 124 Physical activity 125 Urinary continence 126 Constipation 127 Mortality rate 128 Breast cancer and screening [129][130][131] Communication 132…”

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“…These characteristics include, but are not limited to, a protruding tongue, a flat nasal bridge, short stature, hypotonia, and developmental delay [4]. Multiple comorbidities such as thyroid disease, epilepsy, and osteoporosis were more prevalent in Down's syndrome [5]. The 25(OH) D or Vitamin D (VD) is a type of sercosteroid prohormone that had solubility in lipids and is formed in the epidermis when exposed to sunlight.…”