Living with intellectual disability and dementia
People are living longer, and that includes people living with an intellectual disability. However, research shows that people living with an intellectual disability may begin ageing much earlier and have an increased risk of dementia.
Warning signs and changes in memory can be harder to detect in a person with an intellectual disability and sometimes communication difficulties make common memory tests challenging. Getting a dementia diagnosis and support can be a difficult process.
Alzheimer’s Australia New South Wales (NSW) has developed a new resource to support people living with dementia and intellectual disability, and the individuals and organisations working in the disability and aged care sectors who assist them.
The DVD Living with Intellectual Disability and Dementia contains information on assessment and diagnosis, and the support available for people living with dementia and intellectual disability, enabling their ongoing involvement in the community.
It is also a resource for family members and friends who are concerned about signs of cognitive decline in a relative or friend who lives with an intellectual disability.
The DVD includes real life experiences and perspectives from care and community workers providing valuable insight into challenges faced and how information on support services can be accessed to provide the best possible care.
Professor Julian Trollor, Head, Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, University of NSW, provides expertise about the different forms of dementia and the difficulties associated with diagnosis, discussing some of the changes that a person, their family, carer or support staff may notice, prompting further investigation.
The DVD is an important education tool, says Danielle White, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Manager Education and Sector Development.
“With funding provided by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, this resource aims to bring a higher level of awareness and understanding of dementia for those who are working and caring for people living with an intellectual disability,” Ms White says.
“While improved access to quality health support, better living conditions and enhanced social engagement has seen the life expectancy of people with an intellectual disability increase significantly in the past 30 years, it has also led to an increase in age-related diseases and conditions including dementia, which is a significant and growing health issue in Australia.”
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW provides ongoing professional education to both the aged and disability sectors, and free carer education sessions to family members and friends of people living with an intellectual disability and dementia.
For enquiries about professional workshops or carer education, contact Danielle White, Manager – Education and Sector Development (02) 9805 0100. For information about dementia, call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 or visit fightdementia.org.au.
