With the exception of dysphagia, impairment in ADLs and walking capabilities, and not CP diagnosis alone, accounted for disparities in specific diseases. Although the diagnosis of CP may be correlated with functional impairment, it alone may play a minor role in determining health trajectories in older persons with conjoint ID and CP.

The number of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has increased rapidly in the United States as part of the general "graying"of the country. This has presented challenges in maintaining the quality of life and health for these individuals in later years. Issues including diagnostic overshadowing (the tendency to overlook symptoms of mental or physical illness as causes for decline), lack of knowledge about aging in adults with IDD, and health care disparities are discussed in this article along with recommendations for clinicians to help them meet this growing challenge.

Similar to the general population, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living into their 70s and beyond. Health care disparities have been well-documented for this vulnerable and underserved population. Social workers are often responsible for assessment, coordination of care, and negotiation of needed services for people with IDD. This article explores the challenges facing social workers in meeting the growing health and social needs of aging adults with IDD and their families. Trends in social work practice and gaps in education are discussed as they relate to addressing and reducing current health disparities.

Research indicates that adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) have high rates of overweight status/obesity (OS/O). OS/O is associated with several important risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). This study focused on assessing whether such risk factors are being identified in adults with ID who are receiving their healthcare in community settings, and comparing the rates of risk factors and appropriate preventive interventions with a sample of adults without ID from the same community. OS/O rates and CHD risk factors were ascertained in a sample of 100 adults with ID from a medical chart review. All participants were residing in group homes in Monroe County, New York. These rates were compared with age-peer rates in the local general population. In addition, physician practices regarding weight and CHD risk factors were compared in the two study groups. As expected, rates of OS/O were high in both groups. However, rates of obesity were proportionally higher in adults with ID. Hypertension rates were comparable in the two groups, although rates of dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) were higher in adults with ID. Medication prescription rates for hypertension and dyslipidemia were equivalent in both groups. There were more dietary recommendations and fewer exercise recommendations prescribed for adults with ID. These findings confirm that OS/O rates are high in both adults with ID and those in the general population in one geographic area. High rates of CHD risk factors pose risks for premature mortality and morbidity in both groups. Because of factors that are not clear, but that merit further study, physicians may make different recommendations for diet and exercise in persons with ID compared with persons in the general population.

Aim To evaluate the prevalence of organ system disorders and describe healthcare utilization among adults with spina bifida at a regional clinic. Method This study was a structured chart review using the Rochester Health Status Survey‐IV. 65 males, 57 females aged 16 to 59 years were seen at the Spina Bifida Center of Central New York between January 2007 and December 2008 (annual hospitalization rate was 15 out of 100). Results Hospitalizations and acute outpatient visits were associated with having shunted hydrocephalus, whereas visits to the emergency department were associated with having a decubitus ulcer. Logistic regression models revealed that older adults made proportionately fewer visits to primary care providers than younger adults (odds ratio 0.919; p=0.02). Yet for every 1‐year increase in age, the odds of being hospitalized increased by 5% (odds ratio 1.051; p=0.03). Interpretation Adults with spina bifida have multiple organ‐system disorders. They have greater difficulty accessing services, and utilize emergency and inpatient healthcare at higher rates than the general population. In the future, adults with spina bifida will require access to more medical care and preventive services if they are to have optimal health, well‐being, and functioning.