Full record(s)

Record no:

1 of 1

Author:

HOBSON Ben; et al.;

Title:

Establishing a database for proactive screening of adults with Down's syndrome: when services work together.

Reference:

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 6(2), 2012, pp.99-105.

ISSN paper:

2044-1282

ISSN online:

2044-1290

Abstract:

Adults with Down’s syndrome are at higher risk of developing dementia than the general population and do so at an earlier age. Diagnosis of dementia in an adult with Down’s syndrome can be difficult because of the lack of a functional baseline. This paper describes a service improvement project with 2 aims: to identify and screen all adults with Down's syndrome aged over 30 years in a defined locality using a standardised instrument to establish functional baselines; and to set up a database to facilitate early diagnosis of dementia in this population. An assistant psychologist used a standardised instrument to screen 65 participants with a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome who had been identified through contact with health, social, and third sector, and housing services. Three groups were identified: group 1 showed no significant change; group 2 showed significant change but no signs of dementia; and group 3 showed significant change plus signs of dementia. People with suspected dementia were referred on for further assessment and supportive services. Regular re-screening is planned for the other 2 groups. The article demonstrates how a proactive screening project can be established by employing working partnerships between intellectual disability and older adult services to aid diagnosis.

Journal home:

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Format:

article;

Topics:

dementia; diagnosis; Downs syndrome; joint working; screening;

Content Type:

practice; practice example;

Country/Region:

England;

Record ID:

www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=7218ef1b-a708-4ba7-a020-d626fc1f1d9d