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Dementia in people with severe or profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities: Focus group research into relevance, symptoms and training needs

  • Alain D Dekker
  • , Maureen B G Wissing
  • , Aurora M Ulgiati
  • , Bas Bijl
  • , Gaby van Gool
  • , Marieke R Groen
  • , Esther S Grootendorst
  • , Ina A van der Wal
  • , Johannes S M Hobbelen
  • , Peter P De Deyn
  • , Aly Waninge
  • University of Groningen
  • University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Alzheimer Research Center
  • University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen
  • The Northern Netherlands Alliance SNN
  • Department of Practice-Oriented Scientific Research (PWO)
  • Alliade Care Group
  • Advisium
  • Ipse de Bruggen
  • Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede
  • Royal Dutch Visio Noord Nederland
  • Schilders De Vries

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Differentiating dementia from baseline level of functioning is difficult among people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities. Moreover, studies on observable dementia symptoms are scarce. This study examined (a) the relevance of dementia diagnosis, (b) observable symptoms and (c) training/information needs.

METHODS: Four explorative focus groups were held with care professionals and family members who have experience with people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities (≥40 years) and decline/dementia.

RESULTS: Thematic analysis showed that participants wanted to know about a dementia diagnosis for a better understanding and to be able to make informed choices (question 1). Using a categorisation matrix, cognitive and behavioural changes were shown to be most prominent (question 2). Participants indicated that they needed enhanced training, more knowledge development and translation, and supportive organisational choices/policies (question 3).

CONCLUSIONS: Timely identifying/diagnosing dementia allows for a timely response to changing needs. This requires a better understanding of symptoms.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1602-1617
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Volume34
Issue number6
Early online date2 Jul 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 03 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 03 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • dementia
  • down syndrome
  • focus groups
  • intellectual disabilities

Research Focus Areas Hanze University of Applied Sciences * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • Healthy Ageing

Research Focus Areas Research Centre or Centre of Expertise * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • Frailty and adequate care

Publinova themes

  • Other
  • Health

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