There is an increased prevalence of dementia in people with a learning disability, but modifiable lifestyle factors, such as healthy eating, may reduce this risk. This article reviews the evidence on fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, that have been indicated as preventive measures in neurodegeneration.
To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Conclusion: The previously reported high risk levels for dementia among people with Down syndrome were confirmed in this data as was the relationship with late onset epilepsy. The value of the instruments utilised in tracking decline and helping to confirm diagnosis is further highlighted. To read the full article, log in using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens details
The increasing number of individuals with an intellectual disability who are at risk of developing dementia highlights the need to use measures with strong psychometric properties as part of the screening, assessment and diagnostic process.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
A learning disabilities’ dementia battery was developed to assess cognitive abilities in individuals referred to the learning disabilities service because of concerns of possible dementia. The present study aimed to establish concurrent validity with previously validated measures of cognitive ability and its clinical effectiveness in detecting dementia in this population. Login using your SSSFT NHS Athens for full text. SSOTP - request a copy of the article from the library http://www.sssft.nhs.uk/library
It is complicated to diagnose dementia in persons with Down syndrome (DS). Older studies have, however, demonstrated low‐frequency activity in electroencephalography (EEG) in persons with concurrent DS and Alzheimer's disease (DS‐AD). The aim of this study was to examine whether it was possible to identify AD‐associated changes (increased high‐frequency power and decreased low‐frequency power) in persons with DS‐AD compared with DS.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens details. To access full-text: click “Log in/Register” (top right hand side). Click ‘Institutional Login’ then select 'OpenAthens Federation', then ‘NHS England’. Enter your Athens details to view the article.
We’ve just heard that SSOTP will not be renewing their agreement with SSSFT LKS for library services for this financial year. Because of this we will be reviewing our Be Aware bulletins. Sadly we won’t be accepting any new sign-ups from SSOTP staff and will be withdrawing some of the physical healthcare bulletins that we…
We're currently making some changes in the background of our email updates to solve some problems we've been having recently. During our testing phase this may automatically generate some alerts, which will show below, but you can ignore these! If all goes according to plan we will be resuming normal service in the next week…
People with learning disabilities, particularly Down’s syndrome, are at increased risk of dementia. At present, services and care tailored to people with both dementia and a learning disability are unsatisfactory. This article reviews the literature specific to dementia in people with learning disabilities, including: comprehensive screening, diagnosis, management, environmental considerations, end of life care and training issues for nursing staff. Recommendations for best practice and service improvement are made to improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and learning disabilities, pre and post-diagnosis. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Four innovative schemes in another mental health trust, including using cartoons in LD (internet cartoon package), use of a board game to facilitate challenging discussions in dementia, therapeutic horse care and co-produced recovery courses for people with EUPD
A systematic review of the literature was completed to examine the needs of those who provide care to people with intellectual disability and dementia. The purpose of this paper was to develop an understanding of the complexities, challenges and support available to meet the needs of an ageing population. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
News. Nurses must not be afraid to intervene on behalf of learning disability patients if they believe they are showing signs of dementia.
To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
SSSFT staff can use the OVID link, or you can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Adults with intellectual disability are affected by dementia at equivalent and elevated rates, many surviving into advanced age. End of life care and support considerations come into play among these individuals when most are in the advanced stage of dementia. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Adults with Down syndrome have a high risk of developing dementia; more so than any other genetic syndrome associated with learning disabilities.
Their vulnerability for Alzheimer’s type of dementia is thought to be linked to the overproduction of the amyloid ß (Aß) protein, due to the location of its precursor protein on chromosome 21, which is over-expressed in people with Down syndrome (trisomie 21).
This specific genetic profile of people with Down syndrome, however, means that findings of studies investigating risk factors, prevention and treatment strategies in a population without Down syndrome may not be applicable and that separate studies are required to evaluate these factors in a Down syndrome population.
Implications for practice and research:
> Care for older adults with Down syndrome should be organised with the exceptional risk of developing dementia in mind as this will improve their medical outcomes.
> There is an urgent need for research into effective treatments for dementia in adults with Down syndrome to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.