Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 41 - 50 of 164
The assessment of executive functioning in people with intellectual disabilities: an exploratory analysis
- Authors:
- BEVINS Shelley, HURSE Emily
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44(2), 2016, pp.87-94.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The following article details a piece of service development work undertaken as part of the Plymouth Down Syndrome Screening Programme. The work aimed to review the use of three measures assessing executive functioning skills used within the Programme as well as with people without Down syndrome. Three tasks assessing executive functioning (the Weigl, Cats and Dogs, and verbal fluency task) were evaluated. The Weigl task was removed from the Programme and analyses due to floor effects and difficulties in administration. Correlation analyses showed relationships between the Cats and Dogs task and two other measures, cognitive skills as reported by carers and object memory. No relationships were found between the verbal fluency task and other measures. A full consideration is given to these findings, and implications for future practice are considered. Further data are needed to make full conclusions about the value of the tasks in predicting dementia in people with intellectual disabilities and people with Down syndrome. Further recommendations concerning the development of the assessment of executive skills are also considered. (Publisher abstract)
Will general practitioners be adequately prepared to meet the complexities of enhanced dementia screening for people with learning disabilities and Down syndrome: key considerations
- Author:
- ROWE Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44(1), 2016, pp.43-48.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article provides a timely response in regard to the Department of Health's current initiative to financially reward GPs to prioritise and undertake dementia screening for people with learning disabilities over the age of 50 years and for people with Down syndrome over the age of 40 years. Whilst GPs are becoming increasingly aware of their responsibility to care for the complex needs of people with learning disabilities, the implementation of dementia screening poses a multitude of challenges. Research has continued to suggest how difficult it is to detect the early and often ambiguous signs of dementia for someone who has pre-existing cognitive impairments and may present with atypical symptomology. And it continues to be a difficult process even for those who specialise within this area. However, GPs who choose to opt into this financially incentivised scheme will now be offering dementia screening. This article outlines the main GP aims within the dementia screening process and the difficulties that may be encountered, with specific focus upon: offering a dementia screen; obtaining consent; undertaking screening within the most appropriate setting; choosing a dementia screening tool and developing a baseline; detecting early dementia signs. (Edited publisher abstract)
Hearing problems in the learning disability population: is anybody listening?
- Authors:
- McCLIMENS Alex, BRENNAN Siobhan, HARGREAVES Pauline
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(3), 2015, pp.153-160.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
People with learning disability tend to have more hearing problems than other people. The authors undertook this project as they believed that hearing loss experienced by the target population was greater than the referral figures suggested. This article reports on an analysis of a trial service initiative designed to examine the efficacy of different referral routes into audiology services for adults with learning disability. The analysis focuses on the generation of data on hearing loss on a small population sample (n = 136) gathered over a 6-month period in 2012. Remedial action is suggested to ensure that hearing loss in people with learning disabilities does not go undetected. (Edited publisher abstract)
Staff views of a music therapy group for people with intellectual disabilities and dementia: a pilot study
- Authors:
- BEVINS Shelley, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 9(1), 2015, pp.40-48.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Despite the longstanding use of music therapy with people with intellectual disabilities and the growing evidence base for using music therapy as a tool to aid behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in the general population, there is little work published which details the use of music therapy groups for people with intellectual disabilities who have a diagnosis of dementia. The purpose of this paper is to report a qualitative evaluation of staff views of a music therapy group for people with intellectual disabilities and dementia. Design/methodology/approach: Carers of service users attending the group were interviewed either individually or through a focus group in order to ascertain their views about the music therapy group. The interview transcripts were then analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Two core themes and eight sub themes emerged from the data. These themes show that the group was felt to be pleasurable and enjoyable for the service users and that some tangible benefits of attending the group were observed by staff members. Notwithstanding the positive feedback, the results also suggested that more work is needed to inform carers of the goals and purpose of such groups. Further psycho-education for carers is suggested as a strategy to support future groups to run successfully. Originality/value: There is little published research into the use of music therapy for people with intellectual disabilities who also have dementia. The current paper provides a starting point for future work in the area and further recommendations for future practice and research are considered. (Publisher abstract)
The importance of developing confidence and self-esteem in children with a learning disability
- Author:
- GOLENIOWSKA Hayley
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(3), 2014, pp.188-191.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to look at the importance of self-esteem in individuals with a learning disability. Design/methodology/approach: The paper explore ways of developing self-esteem and confidence with simple techniques for parents and carers of those with learning disabilities to try. Findings: Anecdotal examples are given by a mother of a child who has Down's Syndrome. The paper outlines ways parents and professionals can increase the self-worth of individuals with a learning disability through fun play, encouraging relevant social and life skills, even safe risk taking. The paper outlines the need for accepting and praising your child for who they are as well as seeking out positive role models. Originality/value: Self-esteem and confidence are crucial ingredients in giving people with learning disabilities a sense of well-being and of beings valued member of a community. They are also key in keeping depression and loneliness at bay. (Publisher abstract)
Screening for thyroid insufficiency in adults with Down syndrome
- Authors:
- GLOVER Gyles, CHAUHAN Umesh, EMERSON Eric
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 18(2), 2013, pp.98-103.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce and present the first findings of a new English performance indicator in the primary healthcare of adults with Down syndrome. This is a performance target, with associated bonus payment, requiring General Practitioners (GPs) to undertake annually a screening blood test for thyroid hormone deficiency. Design/methodology/approach – Analysis and review of data collected from all GP practices and published by the National Health Service (NHS) Information Centre. Findings – In total, 82 per cent of those identified as in the target group were screened and 10 per cent were identified as not wanting to be screened or screening inappropriate. The target group numbered just over 60 per cent of the number estimated from epidemiological and other studies. The numbers of cases involved is small (0, 1 or 2 cases in 75 per cent of GP practices), and whilst variation in coverage at local level appears important, numbers are too small for the variations seen in the first year's data to be statistically significant. The scope of the data precludes useful strategic analysis of the value of the intervention. Research limitations/implications – Data from several years need to be taken together. The NHS Information Centre should slightly increase the scope of the data to allow analysis of whether the programme is having useful public health benefits. Originality/value – The paper examines a new data source and makes points applicable to a wider range of similar datasets in the same programme. (Publisher abstract)
People with a learning disability and dementia: reducing marginalisation
- Author:
- WATCHMAN Karen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dementia Care, 20(5), September 2012, pp.34-38.
- Publisher:
- Hawker
People with a learning disability, especially Down’s syndrome, are at risk of dementia at a younger age. While the voice of people with learning disability and people with dementia are increasingly included in research and practice, the same cannot be said for people who have both a learning disability and dementia. The aim of this literature review was to identify factors that have contributed to this lack of consideration in health and social care policy and practice. The review starts with providing a historical overview, followed by a discussion of the key issues identified in the literature. A series of deficits are identified that are likely to result in a further increase in the marginalisation experienced by people with a learning disability and dementia. These deficits include the lack of a shared diagnosis, lack of staff training and future planning, lack of adapted communication as dementia progresses, lack of accurate statistics of the numbers affected or predicted, lack of clarity over accommodation options and an increase in isolation. The result is a Cinderella service that reflects the limited knowledge of individual experiences and support needs of this group.
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.
Must we remove Mary from her home?
- Author:
- -
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 6.10.11, 2011, pp.26-27.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Experts offer advice on supporting a learning disabled women who is overweight whose health is at risk because she will not leave her mother.
Should we refer for a dementia assessment? A checklist to help know when to be concerned about dementia in adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- WHITWHAM Sarah, MCBRIEN Judith, BROOM Wendy
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39(1), March 2011, pp.17-21.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The genetic risk in the Down syndrome population for the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease is well known. This research developed a screening checklist to help carers and professionals know when to make a referral for a dementia assessment. A checklist was completed for all new referrals to a dementia service for people with intellectual disabilities. The obtained scores were compared to the diagnostic outcome of a comprehensive dementia assessment. Participants included 159 individuals with learning disability, of which 146 had Downs. After 12 months of collecting data, 39 had a diagnosis of dementia. Findings indicated that a higher score on the checklist correlates significantly with a subsequent diagnosis of dementia. Overall, the checklist appeared to be a useful tool to prompt referrals for a full dementia assessment. The authors concluded that, by helping the referrer to identify dementia, it may reduce the number of late or non-referrals.