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Changing Trends in Life Expectancy in Intellectual Disability over Time
Irish Medical Journal
|October 26, 2019
Summary
Life expectancy for individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is increasing, mirroring general population trends. Similar mortality causes suggest shared preventative healthcare opportunities for improved longevity in ID.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Disability Studies
- Gerontology
Background:
- Historically, individuals with intellectual disability (ID) exhibit decreased life expectancy (LE) compared to the general population.
- Recent research indicates a growing trend in LE for both the general population and individuals with ID.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in life expectancy (LE) and causes of mortality among individuals with intellectual disability (ID).
- To identify potential reasons for improved LE in ID and areas for future health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on ageing and cause of death in populations with intellectual disability.
- Comparative analysis of mortality trends between the ID population and the general population.
Main Results:
- Life expectancy (LE) in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), while still lower than the general population, has shown significant increases in recent decades across Western societies.
- Trends in LE increases appear similar between the general population and the ID population.
- Major causes of mortality in ID share similarities with the general population.
Conclusions:
- Improved LE in ID populations may be influenced by factors amenable to similar preventative healthcare interventions as the general population.
- Further detailed studies on mortality in ID are necessary to pinpoint specific intervention areas for this population.
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