developing therapeutic interventions

__Developing Therapeutic Interventions for Children, Adults and Older People with Learning Disabilities__

__Scenario One: Combined Learning Disabilities and Chronic Disabilities:__


 * Hung et al (2011) have suggested that the prevalence of chronic disabilities such as diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, asthma, obesity and chronic pain has increased in older adults who have a learning disability by 43%.


 * Further evidence by Yamaki et al (2010) has inclined that the rise of chronic disabilities can be due to a person’s environment and their lifestyle.


 * Within Scotland, the rates of obesity have increased by two-thirds since 2000 (Shepard, 2009) and therefore, chronic disabilities have become more prevalent.


 * A study by NHS Lothian (2007) has found that the prevalence of obesity increases in disadvantaged groups within society such as people with Learning Disabilities. The figure for obesity in people with learning disabilities is between 10-56%.


 * The Scottish Government have set up intiatives alongside with NHS Scotland such as the Scottish Physical Activity Strategy (Scottish Executive, 2003) to promote physical exercise in local councils and schools and therefore, promote healthy lifestyles.


 * In attempt to help people with learning disabilities with chronic health problems, the SIGN Guidelines (2007) have outlined strategies that can be put in place such as decreasing energy intake and increase physical exercise to help people with learning disabilities to have a better quality of life.

__REFERENCES:__

Hung, W.W, Ross, J.S, Boockvar, K.S & Siu A.L., 2011, “Recent trends in chronic disease, impairment and disability among older adults in the United States”. BMC Geriatrics, Vol. 11, No. 47.

NHS Lothian, 2007 “Exorcising obesity: improving health by tackling obesity and levels of physical activity”. NHS Lothian.

Scottish Executive, 2003, “Scottish physical activity strategy”, HMSO: Edinburgh.

<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;">SIGN, 2003. “SIGN Guideline 69: Management of obesity in children and young people. Available from: www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/ fulltext/69/index.html.

<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;">Shepard, A, 2009. “Obesity: prevalence, causes and clinical consequences” Nursing Standard, Vol.23, No,52, pp.51-57.

<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;">Yamaki, K., Rimmer, J.H., Lowry, B.D, & Vogel, L.C., 2010, “Prevalence of obesity-related chronic health conditions in overweight adolescents with disabilities”. Research in Developmental Disabilities, Vol.32, pp. 280–288.