Abstract
Introduction
Observable dementia symptoms are hardly studied in people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities (SPI(M)D). Insight in symptomatology is needed for timely signaling/diagnosis. This study aimed to identify practice-based observations of dementia symptoms in this population.
Methods
Care professionals and family members were invited to complete a survey about symptoms. Quantitatively analyzed survey data were further deepened through semi-structured interviews with care professionals having vast experience in signaling/diagnosing dementia in this population. Symptoms were categorized using a symptom matrix.
Results
Survey respondents and interviewees frequently observed a decline in activities of daily living (ADL) functioning and behavioral and psychological changes, like increased irritability, anxiety, apathy and decreased eating/drinking behavior. Cognitive symptoms were particularly recognized in persons with verbal communication and/or walking skills. To lesser extent motor changes and medical comorbidities were reported.
Conclusion
Increased insight in dementia symptoms contributes to developing a dedicated screening instrument for dementia in people with SPI(M)D.
Observable dementia symptoms are hardly studied in people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities (SPI(M)D). Insight in symptomatology is needed for timely signaling/diagnosis. This study aimed to identify practice-based observations of dementia symptoms in this population.
Methods
Care professionals and family members were invited to complete a survey about symptoms. Quantitatively analyzed survey data were further deepened through semi-structured interviews with care professionals having vast experience in signaling/diagnosing dementia in this population. Symptoms were categorized using a symptom matrix.
Results
Survey respondents and interviewees frequently observed a decline in activities of daily living (ADL) functioning and behavioral and psychological changes, like increased irritability, anxiety, apathy and decreased eating/drinking behavior. Cognitive symptoms were particularly recognized in persons with verbal communication and/or walking skills. To lesser extent motor changes and medical comorbidities were reported.
Conclusion
Increased insight in dementia symptoms contributes to developing a dedicated screening instrument for dementia in people with SPI(M)D.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 364-393 |
| Journal | Journal of mental health research in intellectual disabilities |
| Early online date | 22-Apr-2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- dementia
- intellectual disabilities
- severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities
- Down syndrome