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Research Article

Dementia in people with intellectual disability: Insights and challenges in epidemiological research with an at-risk population

, , , , &
Pages 755-763 | Received 11 Nov 2013, Accepted 14 Nov 2013, Published online: 15 Jan 2014
 

Abstract

The population with intellectual disability (ID) is ageing, but age-related health concerns such as dementia have received little research attention thus far. We review evidence regarding the prevalence and incidence of dementia in people with ID, and discuss some possible explanations for an increased risk, such as shared genetic risk factors, co-morbid physical and mental disorders, lifestyle factors, trauma, and lowered brain reserve. We discuss practical and theoretical challenges facing researchers in this field, before highlighting the implications of findings to date for future research and clinical care. Research on dementia in this at-risk population has the potential to help us understand dementia in general and to improve services for this group of vulnerable individuals.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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