Physical health of adults with intellectual disabilities / edited by Vee P. Prasher and Matthew P. Janicki.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Epidemiological Issues:- Introduction--Definition of intellectual disability (mental retardation)--Age-specific prevalence of intellectual disability--Risk factors for ill-health--Prevalence of health problems--Age distribution of health problems--Sex distribution of health problems--Distribution of health problems according to level of intelligence--Mortality--Morbidity--Individual health problems--Conclusion--References--2. Assessing Physical Health:- Introduction--History taking--Review of systems--Physical examination--Investigations--Conclusions--References--3. Physical Health and Clinical Phenotypes:- Introduction--Life expectancy--Morbidity and mortality--Chronic physical deteriorating conditions--Major specific disorders--Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS)--Sex chromosome aneuploidies--Other aneuplooidies--Conclusion--References--4. Cerebra Palsy:- Introduction--Epidemiology--Etiology--History--Clinical issues--Diet and nutrition--The physical examination--Diagnosis--Conclusion--References--5. Visual impairment:-Introduction--Definitions of visual impairment--Prevalence of visual impairment--Errors of refraction--Medical causes of visual impairment--Cerebral visual impairment--Ocular disorders in adults with Down syndrome--Cost of treatment--Coping--Prevention--Conclusion--References--6. Hearing Impairment:- Introducion--Prevalence of hearing loss--Tests of hearing--Causes of hearing impairment in people with intellectual disabilities--Management of hearing loss-- Conclusion--References--7. Epilepsy:- Introduction--What is epilepsy?--Definitions and classification--Types of seizures and syndromes seen in people with intellectual disabilities--Status epilepticus--Epidemiology--Diagnosis and differential diagnosis--Behavioral consequences--The special issue of Down Syndrome--Management--When to start drug treatment--Choice of anti-epileptic drugs--General principles of using anti-epileptic drugs in people with intellectual disabilities--Conclusion--References--8. Endocrinological Issues:- Introduction--Clinical issues--Lifelong care and appropriate stepping (mile) stones--Risk factors for endocrine problems--Endocrine and related disorders--Screening--Therapeutic approaches--Access to health care in the usual paradigm of health care delivery--Conclusion--References--9. Dentition and Oral Health:- Introduction--Epidemiology--Intellectual disabilities and edentulism--Nutrition and dentures--Common oral diseases in adults with intellectual disabilities--Oral infectious diseases--Oral facial tumors--Benign tumors--Premalignant lesions--Malignant lesions--Other oral problems--Interrelationships between oral diseases and systemic diseases--Coordination of oral care--Conclusion--References--10. Nutrition and Physical Health:- Introduction--Role of nutrition in health--Food, health and culture--Dietary guidelines for healthful diets--Nutritional needs--Conclusion--References--11. Health promotion and Disease Prevention:- Introduction--What is health promotion and disease prevention? The continuum of health promotion--Why is the health promotion of people with intellectual disabilities important?--What affects health for people with intellectual disabilities?--How do we engage in health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities?--Systemic interventions to improve the health of adults with intellectual disabilities--Conclusion--References--12. Barriers to Health Care Services and the Role of the Physician:- Introduction--Accessibility, mobility and sensory impairment--Behavioral problems--Communication--Knowledge, attitudes and accessing specialist services--time and resources--Conclusion--References--13. Future Prospects: A Challenge to Promote Wellness:- A framework for understanding research on physical health--A framework for health promotion and wellness--Some closing thoughts--References.

This text engages with the current focus on health promotion as part of the preventative health agenda and examines the physical health considerations of adult intellectual disability patients.