Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia

Practical guidance for families and carers of people with intellectual disabilities and dementia

The questions and concerns that arise when a relative with an intellectual disability is diagnosed with dementia can be overwhelming. This understanding guide acknowledges and answers questions on the progression of dementia, medication, short-term and long-term care plans, and presents need-to-know information in an accessible way.

Selected for Reading Well for Dementia 2024: endorsed by health experts, charities and people affected by dementia.

Drawing on the author's first-hand experiences with families, this book provides crucial, accessible information and answers the difficult questions that often arise when a family member with an intellectual disability is diagnosed with dementia.

Linking directly to policy and practice in both dementia and intellectual disability care, this book takes an outcome-focussed approach to support short, medium and long-term planning. With a particular emphasis on communication, the author seeks to ensure that families and organisations are able to converse effectively about a relative's health and care. The book looks at how to recognise when changes in the health of a relative with an intellectual disability could indicate the onset of dementia, as well as addressing common concerns surrounding living situations, medication and care plans. Each chapter is structured to identify strategies for support whilst working towards outcomes identified by families as dementia progresses.