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Impact of dementia-derived nonpharmacological intervention procedures on cognition and behavior in older adults with intellectual disabilities: a 3-year follow-up study
- Authors:
- DE VREESE Luc P., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 9(2), June 2012, pp.92-102.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Some adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), in particular those with Down syndrome, are at increased risk of dementia. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of specialised environmental and psychosocial interventions in delaying onset of dementia or in slowing down its rate of progression in this population. Specifically, the paper presents the preliminary results of an ongoing prospective study, called the DAD (Down Alzheimer Dementia) Project, carried out in Trento Italy. The study participants were a sample of 14 adults with worsening cognition and everyday functioning who were no longer manageable by their family or staff in day centres or group homes, and who were relocated in a model special care unit (SCU) designed to proactively accommodate the needs of people with ID and dementia. Baseline level and rate of decline across a 3-year period were assessed by means of the Dementia Questionnaire for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and compared to 2 control groups not in dementia-capable programmes matched for age, sex, and severity of ID. After 3 years, the findings showed some improvement in cognition and stabilisation in everyday functioning and behaviours in the SCU residents and a worsening in the control groups. The findings confirm the validity of this ‘in-place progression’ model and provide a platform for continuing progress in person-centred services and care for aging persons with ID.