Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 3 of 3
Screening adults with Down's syndrome for early signs of dementia
- Author:
- MCBRIEN Judith
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Integrated Care, 17(3), June 2009, pp.3-7.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article outlines the case for learning disability teams to provide routine screening of adults with Down's syndrome for early signs of dementia. It is illustrated by reference to practice in one such service where clinical and research developments have gone hand in hand, with tangible benefits to clients, carers and the multi-disciplinary team. Although specifically designed to meet the challenge of the increasing number of people with Down's syndrome who develop dementia, it is applicable to the care of all people with learning disabilities.
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.
Down's syndrome and dementia: generating local evidence
- Author:
- MCBRIEN Judith
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Integrated Care, 13(1), February 2005, pp.24-27.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Outlines good practice in one locality which screens all adults with Down's syndrome. Reflects on patterns of accommodation, staff training needs and the implications of an integrated approach.