Dementia and Intellectual Disability: Prevalence, Assessment and Post-Diagnostic Support

Abstract

People with an intellectual disability are at greater risk of developing dementia than the general population. Due to a genetic risk factor, much of the research on dementia in people with an intellectual disability to date has focused on people with Down syndrome. This chapter discusses the genetic risk factors specific to those with Down syndrome, the prevalence of dementia in people with an intellectual disability with and without Down syndrome. The presentation of dementia is also discussed along with some of the challenges in dementia assessment with this population. Best practice guidelines, from disclosure of diagnosis through to end of life care are outlined, with an example of best practice. Finally, all aspects of the chapter are brought together with a case study to illustrate the issues discussed.