Screening of dementia indicating signs in adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background In intellectual disability, the cognitive delay is observed during developmental age, whereas in dementia, cognitive decline occurs during post‐developmental period. So far, the risk of dementia in people with intellectual disability, excluding those with Down syndrome, is poorly known. Method We screened dementia signs in a study group of 230 adults (34–80 years of age) with the help of the British Present Psychiatric State—Learning Disabilities assessment. Results Of the study members, 42% showed two or more signs. The overall frequency of symptoms did not differ between age groups. The number of individuals with a genetic syndrome or disease manifesting with a shortened lifespan was greater in the younger age groups when compared to the older age groups. Conclusion People with an intellectual disability represent numerous rare syndromes with comorbidities. It seems that dementia signs may affect any age groups of adults with intellectual disability.

Cognitive reserve proxies for individuals with intellectual developmental disability: A scoping review

“…Being aware of the lifestyle factors that enhance CR may allow professionals to promote lifestyle‐related interventions supporting optimal ageing outcomes in people with intellectual disability (Amoretti et al, 2019), especially in light of the high incidence and early onset of dementia among them. Life experiences and lifestyle choices are, in fact, among the main sources of protection against cognitive decline in the population without intellectual disabilities, and our results show that they can be also crucial in people with intellectual disability (Arvio & Bjelogrlic‐Laakso, 2021). Noteworthy is that activities that are community‐based appear to be most effective, as they foster social engagement and feelings of inclusion and belonging (Mihaila et al, 2019).…”

“…For example, a high percentage of these people are unmarried (marriage estimates rate: 5%; Beber & Biswas, 2009), have no children (e.g., the fertility rate of women with intellectual disability is 19%, see Rubenstein et al, 2022), or are not in paid employment (20% are in paid employment, Bell, 2022; Innes et al, 2012). In many cases, they have fewer possibilities and opportunities to engage in cognitively stimulating activities (Arvio & Bjelogrlic‐Laakso, 2021) or in complex jobs. As a matter of fact, they usually engage in passive leisure activities when assistance and support are not available (Reppermund & Trollor, 2016).…”

“…Although virtually all adults with Down Syndrome display neuropathology consistent with Alzheimer's Disease by the age of 40, some of them never show the clinical symptoms of dementia (Cooper et al, 2004). In other words, there is not always a linear link between the degree of brain damage and the severity of the symptomatology (Arvio & Bjelogrlic‐Laakso, 2021).…”

A Critical Study on the Impact of Dementia on Older People Undergoing Treatment in Care Homes

“…Given the cognitive impairment, dementia causes to older people, it is difficult for the care providers to accurately assess the impact on every individual to formulate a person-centered care plan. Further, the care of elderly adults with dementia also includes a variety of treatments, such as innovative therapy and pet therapy [23]. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to establish proper treatments in the care plan by having a thorough grasp of how dementia affects individuals in both themes [24].…”

The Pictorial Screening Memory Test (P-MIS) for Adults with Moderate Intellectual Disability and Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Globally, the prevalence of ID varies between 0.05 and 1.55% [ 2 ]. The underlying health conditions and the increased life expectancy of this population makes them more vulnerable to developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia [ 3 , 4 ]. Although the epidemiological data of MCI and dementia in people with ID without Down’s syndrome (DS) has not been accurately set, recently, in Japanese people, the prevalence data for MCI hovers around 3% from the age of 45 onwards, and from 0.8% to 13.9% in those aged between 45 and 74 years old for dementia [ 5 ].…”