Screening for Dementia: A Baseline Assessment of functioning in a group of adult service users from Brothers of Charity Limerick

Author(s): Flynn, E.

Department: Department of Psychology, Brothers of Charity Services, Bawnmore, Limerick

Keywords: Intellectual Disability, Dementia, Baseline Screening

Reported: Ongoing research within the Organisation - Unpublished manuscript

(29 Jul 2009)
Undoubtedly, the life expectancy of people with intellectual disabilities is increasing and the demographics of the population catered for by the Brothers of Charity Limerick would indicate that a high percentage of these individuals will fall into the demographic group most at risk of developing dementia within the next 20 years. The primary objective of this piece of research was to screen service users from the Brothers of Charity Limerick (residential, day services, Fairgreen Community Workshop) to obtain a baseline of functioning using dementia screening questionnaires. Consent was obtained for 134 participants from both key workers and family members. The measures used were the DMR (Dementia Questionnaire for people with Intellectual Disabilities) (Evenhuis, Kengen & Eurlings, 2006) and the DLSQ (Daily Living Skills Questionnaire) (National Institute of Ageing, 1989). The results of statistical analysis showed that level of disability (Mild & Moderate v’s Severe & Profound) was an important variable in determining scores on the DMR and the DLSQ. Results of regression analysis showed that level of disability, epilepsy and Down Syndrome were the variables better able to predict DMR scores. With regards to implications for service provision recommendations are made vis-à-vis periodical screenings, standardised assessment protocol and training for staff.


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