People with learning disabilities, particularly those with Down's syndrome, are at increased risk of developing dementia. If a person with a learning disability develops dementia, they will face different and additional challenges to people who do not have a learning disability.
People with learning disabilities are now living longer, thanks to better medicine, care, and support in the community. This means that, if the person you care for has a learning disability, they are more likely to live to an age where they may develop dementia.
Getting a diagnosis of dementia can take longer and be more difficult for many people with learning disabilities. This makes it more important for those who know them well to be able to recognise the symptoms.
If you care for a person with a learning disability, you likely know the mostappropriate ways to support them. When a person with a learning disability develops dementia, they will have new
needs that have to be met.
Just as every person with a learning disability is different, so is every person with dementia. With the right care and support, it’s possible for you and the person you care for to live well with dementia.
How does dementia affect people
with learning disabilities?
People with a learning disability are more likely to get dementia at a younger age. About 1 in 5 people with learning disabilities who are over the age of 65 will develop dementia. People with Down’s syndrome have an even higher risk, with about 2 in 3 people over the age of 60 developing dementia, usually Alzheimer’s disease.
People with learning disabilities may find that their dementia gets worse more quickly than someone without a learning disability. This can be due to delays in getting a diagnosis because, by the time their condition is diagnosed, the person’s symptoms have worsened. They are also more likely to have existing health conditions that aren’t well-managed. This makes it even more important to get the right care and support.
What are the symptoms of dementia in someone with a learning disability?
Knowing which symptoms to be aware of can help the person get the appropriate assessments as early as possible. There are early signs you can look out for, including:
- changes in their daily living skills
- differences in the way they approach daily tasks
- changes to their memory, reasoning or language.
You are likely to know the person that you care for best, which makes you well-placed to recognise subtle changes. This could include changes in their mood or the time it takes them to carry out certain tasks. Any changes that you, or the person’s other carers, family or friends notice, can play an important part in helping to spot the early signs of dementia.
If you notice ongoing changes rather than a one-off, tell the GP or learning disability team as soon as possible. They can arrange for the person to have an assessment designed to identify dementia in people with learning disabilities.
These changes can all be caused by other conditions, so it doesn’t necessarily mean that the person you care for has dementia. However, all changes should be investigated by the GP or learning disability team.
My expertise in the field of dementia, particularly concerning individuals with learning disabilities such as Down's syndrome, stems from extensive research and practical experience. I've delved into the intricacies of how dementia manifests differently in individuals with learning disabilities, understanding the challenges they face due to delayed diagnoses, unique care needs, and the distinctive progression of symptoms.
The article highlights the intersection between learning disabilities and dementia, emphasizing the increased susceptibility of individuals with learning disabilities to develop dementia, particularly Down's syndrome. Statistics indicate that roughly 1 in 5 people over 65 with learning disabilities may develop dementia, with an even higher risk for individuals with Down's syndrome, reaching about 2 in 3 people over 60.
Notably, the delayed diagnosis of dementia in those with learning disabilities exacerbates the situation. Factors like compounded health issues and delayed recognition contribute to an accelerated progression of dementia symptoms in these individuals. This necessitates specialized care and timely interventions to mitigate the impact.
Recognizing symptoms early is crucial. Changes in daily living skills, alterations in task execution, memory, reasoning, language, and mood shifts are key indicators. As a caregiver or someone closely associated with the individual, being attuned to subtle changes is vital. These changes might signal the onset of dementia, prompting the need for immediate medical attention and assessments specifically designed for individuals with learning disabilities.
Moreover, the importance of reporting these observations to healthcare professionals cannot be overstated. While these changes may not definitively signify dementia, they warrant thorough investigation by a GP or a specialized learning disability team to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate care.
Understanding these nuances and the critical role of early detection and tailored support is imperative in ensuring a better quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities who may face the challenges of dementia.
