Published Online by Mayo Clinic Proceedings
These guideline, produced by a number of NTG members, for the evaluation and management of dementia in adults with an intellectual disability (ID) serve as a framework for the practicing physician who seeks to approach the clinical question of diagnosing a person with ID practically, thoughtfully, and comprehensively. The basis for the guidelines is that adults with intellectual disability are now regularly reaching old age, and are increasingly presenting to their health care providers with concerns related to growing older. One particularly challenging clinical question is related to the evaluation of suspected cognitive decline and potential dementia in older adults with ID, a question that most physicians may feel ill-prepared to answer or address.
The National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices convened a working group to review and formally address this topic, which remains largely underrepresented in the medical literature, and created these guidelines.