Learning disabilities and old age

People with learning disabilities form only a small part of the general population, but because of their many special needs, they require the provision of specialist health services. National statistics on the prevalence of learning disabilities are poor, but it has been estimated that 160 000 people in England and Wales have severe or profound learning disabilities (Audit Commission, 1987). Elderly people with learning disabilities form only a small subgroup of people with learning disabilities. However, the age structure of the population is changing due to a fall in birth rate and increasing longevity. The population now includes more people aged >40 years with learning disabilities than children with learning disabilities. The needs of people with learning disabilities change as they grow older, and prevalence rates of additional psychiatric disorders are high. Psychiatric services must be able to respond to the growing needs of the increasing numbers of elderly people with learning disabilities.