Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 5 of 5
Associations between behaviour disorders and health status among older adults with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- DAVIDSON P. W., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 7(6), November 2003, pp.424-430.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Few studies have examined the relationship of behaviour and health status among aging persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Behavioural disorders, which often are coincident with functional decline in older persons with I/DD, may be more related to medical morbidity than previously reported. This cross-sectional study examined the association between health status and behaviour disorders with increasing age in a cohort of 60,752 adults with I/DD clustered into four adult-age groupings (21-44, 45-59, 60-74, and >74). Age grouping data suggested an association between morbidity and increased likelihood of behaviour symptoms in all but the oldest age grouping. The magnitude of the association and trend varied by specific disease across age groupings compared to that found in healthy cohorts. About 25% of the adults with I/DD had psychiatric diagnoses and the frequency of such diagnoses did not decrease with age grouping. These results suggest that adverse health status may increase the likelihood of persistent behavioural disturbances in older persons with I/DD. Moreover, behavioural disorders may be sentinels for occult medical morbidity, which in turn may be responsive to intervention.
Quality of life and real life cognitive functioning
- Author:
- ESRC GROWING OLDER PROGRAMME
- Publisher:
- University of Sheffield. Department of Sociological Studies
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- Sheffield
This study examined the predictive value of mid-life risk factors for cognitive functioning in old age. Participants were drawn from a study of middle-aged people living in research conducted 30 years ago. Current cognitive functioning, both 'abstract' and 'real world', was assessed, along with attitudes and beliefs regarding how to maintain cognitive functioning in old age. Cognitive functioning was then examined in relation to perceived quality of life.
Healthy ageing - adults with intellectual disabilities: biobehavioural issues
- Authors:
- THORPE L., DAVIDSON P., JANICKI M.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(3), 2001, pp.218-228.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This report has been prepared by the Ageing Special Interest Research Group of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID) in collaboration with the Department of Mental of Health and Substance Dependence and the Programme on Ageing and Health, World Health Organisation (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland.
Different attitudes when handling aggressive behaviour in dementia: narratives from two caregiver groups
- Authors:
- SKOVDAHL K., KIHLGREN A. I., KIHLGREN M.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 7(4), July 2003, pp.277-286.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study highlights the experiences of 15 formal caregivers, during interactions with elderly residents suffering from dementia disease and showing aggressive behaviour. The purpose was to study caregivers’ reflections about and attitudes to behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and how they dealt with the symptoms. This was done by comparing care units with high or low levels of aggressive behaviour in residents. A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was used for the analysis of the interviews. The main themes that emerged were: a need for balance between demands and competence; and a need for support. The findings indicated the importance of a balance for the residents as well as for the caregivers, if a positive relationship was to develop. Furthermore, caregivers stated that support was crucial, not only for the residents but also for themselves, if they were expected to cope with demanding situations. Different types of support were necessary and included: confirmation, feedback, and supervision. Residents who feel appreciated and respected may be less likely to act out their frustrations in an inappropriate manner. Caregivers who strive to understand the meaning behind a resident’s behaviour and who master the necessary care-giving skills, and their implementation, could be more successful at curbing distressing behaviour, than caregivers who act merely in a custodial role.
Healthy ageing - adults with intellectual disabilities: summative report
- Author:
- WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(3), 2001, pp.256-275.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Presents a summary of a paper which has been jointly prepared by International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID) and Inclusion International (II) in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence and the Programme on Ageing and Health, World Health Organisation, Geneva. It examines the general health status of adults with intellectual disabilities, identifies the conditions that support their longevity and promote healthy ageing, and proposes health and social inclusion promotion activities that would universally foster sound health and improve quality of life.