Incidence and temporal patterns of adaptive behavior change in adults with mental retardation.
The age-associated incidence of significant decline in adaptive behavior and the temporal pattern of decline in specific functional skill domains were examined in 646 adults with mental retardation through 88 years of age. Cumulative incidence of significant decline for adults with Down syndrome increased from less than.04 at age 50 to.67 by age 72, whereas cumulative incidence of significant decline for adults with mental retardation without Down syndrome increased from less than.02 at age 50 to.52 at age 88. Among adults experiencing overall decline, four clusters of behaviors were identified based upon the sequence and magnitude of changes, suggesting a pattern of loss not unlike that noted in the population without mental retardation with dementia.
Zigman
Warren B
WB
New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314-6399, USA. wbzigman@aol.com
Schupf
Nicole
N
Urv
Tiina
T
Zigman
April
A
Silverman
Wayne
W
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013997:Time Factors