The National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices consensus recommendations for the evaluation and management of dementia in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Abstract

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are increasingly presenting to their health care professionals with concerns related to growing older. One particularly challenging clinical question is related to the evaluation of suspected cognitive decline or dementia in older adults with I/DD, a question that most physicians feel ill-prepared to answer. The National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices was convened to help formally address this topic, which remains largely underrepresented in the medical literature. The task group, comprising specialists who work extensively with adults with I/DD, has promulgated the following Consensus Recommendations for the Evaluation and Management of Dementia in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities as a framework for the practicing physician who seeks to approach this clinical question practically, thoughtfully, and comprehensively.