CDS

Aging and Developmental Disabilities

The life expectancy for individuals with developmental disabilities has increased from 20 years in the 1930;s to 60 years in the 980’s. Current estimates suggest that more than one half million Americans over the age of 60 are individuals with developmental disabilities. The number is expected to double by 2030.

As individuals age their ability to communicate and move around freely becomes increasingly more difficult because of continued mental decline and loss of mobility associated with age.

Over 75% of adults with developmental disabilities are cared for at home by an aging family member. This often leads to a crisis when parents are no longer able to provide adequate care.

Disorders associated with developmental disabilities:

Psychiatric disorders are about five times more common among this population compared to adults the same age.

Dementia is also a common problem for individuals. Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk of early onset, with nearly all developing characteristic nervous system changes by 40. Common symptoms of dementia among those with Down syndrome include loss of ability to adapt and increased episodes of being agitated or aggressive. This is also often associated with depression, indifference, and socially inappropriate disorders.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Prompt detection and treatment of medical conditions improves the life expectancy of individuals. The basic approach to the diagnosis and treatment is no different than in anyone else, the process can be more complicated. Because of limited communication skills, mental illness may show up as a change in behavior, clinical depression may show up a withdrawal or lack of interest, delusions or hallucinations may be seen as sleeplessness or aggressions. Medical problems such as chronic pain may show up as behavioral problems. Careful evaluations along with neurological tests can be used to determine a cause in nearly half of the cases.

TOP