ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Early death and causes of death of people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review
Lisa O'Leary,
Sally-Ann Cooper,
Laura Hughes-McCormack,
Corresponding Author
Lisa O'Leary
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
Correspondence
Lisa O'Leary, School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Room 4B19, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
Email: L.O'[email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorSally-Ann Cooper
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
Search for more papers by this authorLaura Hughes-McCormack
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
Search for more papers by this authorLisa O'Leary,
Sally-Ann Cooper,
Laura Hughes-McCormack,
Corresponding Author
Lisa O'Leary
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
Correspondence
Lisa O'Leary, School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Room 4B19, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
Email: L.O'[email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorSally-Ann Cooper
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
Search for more papers by this authorLaura Hughes-McCormack
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Background
Death of people with intellectual disabilities is considered to be earlier than for the general population.
Methods
Databases were searched for key words on intellectual disabilities and death. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria were used. Information was extracted from selected papers, tabulated and synthesized. Prospero registration number: CRD42015020161.
Results
Of 19,111 retrieved articles, 27 met criteria. Death was earlier by 20 years. It has improved in recent decades; however, the same inequality gap with the general population remains. More severe intellectual disabilities, and/or additional comorbidities rendered it shortest. Standardized mortality rates showed a greater inequality for women than men. Respiratory disease and circulatory diseases (with greater congenital and lesser ischaemic disease compared with the general population) were the main causes of death. Cancer was less common, and cancer profile differed from the general population. Some deaths are potentially avoidable. All research is from high-income countries, and cause of death is surprisingly little investigated.
Conclusions
Improved health care, including anticipatory care such as health checks, and initiatives addressing most relevant lifestyle behaviours and health risks are indicated.
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