Frailty and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: a Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Developmental Disabilities Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer but experiencing premature aging.
• Understanding frailty in this population is crucial for developing effective community supports and preventing adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of the literature on frailty in individuals with IDD.
• To identify research gaps and application areas for frailty measurement in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology based on Arksey and O'Malley was employed.
• Original studies published since 2000 were systematically identified and selected.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies were included, originating from four distinct research programs.
• Six frailty measures were utilized, including frailty indices, VFQ-ID(-R), phenotype, and marker.
• Frailty was examined both as an outcome and a predictor of outcomes like mobility, falls, and survival.

Conclusions:

• There is a growing research interest in measuring frailty among aging adults with IDD.
• Frailty in this population is associated with adverse health outcomes, similar to the general population.
• Further research is necessary to validate existing measures, replicate findings, and assess practical application for policy and care.