Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by a condition in which individuals have significant limitations in both cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior that began prior to 22 years of age. The prevalence of intellectual disabilities is estimated at approximately 1% of the population in the United States and western European countries, with an anticipated increase in prevalence due to improvements in neonatal care, nutrition, and socioeconomic conditions. As a result, the life expectancy of individuals with ID is increasing. Although there has been progress, adults with intellectual disabilities experience inequities in health status at a disproportionately higher rate than the general population. Adults with ID participate more fully in their communities when they are not constrained by poor health and are able to access health-care resources. Medical conditions in individuals with ID differ from those that occur in the general population in regard to prevalence, age of onset, rate of progression, severity, and presentation. Moreover, an individual with ID is likely to experience health conditions that are multiple and complex. As with individuals in the general population, adults with intellectual disability warrant the same considerations for improving their quality of life through treatment of chronic health conditions and health screening. Providing excellent health care for this heterogeneous population requires attention to the health-care disparities, the differences in the presentation of chronic diseases and aging, and the similar, yet heightened, benefits of routine screening as compared to the general population. Inpatient management of adults with ID should be tailored to the individual to improve both outcomes and experiences.