Introduction to ageing in people with developmental disability

Increasing numbers of people with developmental disability are living past middle age. The life expectancy of those with severe intellectual disability can be 20 years lower than that of the general population; however, people with mild intellectual disability, fewer comorbid conditions and high adaptive functioning can have a life expectancy similar to that of the general population.

Many people with developmental disability, particularly those with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, have features of ageing at a younger age than in the general population. This has implications for health screening and clinical assessment. Age-related changes should be considered in people with developmental disability from 40 years onwards, and from 35 years for people with Down syndrome. In people with cerebral palsy, decline in physical function may start in their 20s.