This study examined the cost-effectiveness of a visual inspection for oral cancer prevention in individuals aged 35 years or older, in India. The authors concluded that oral cancer screening by visual inspection was cost-effective, particularly for a high-risk population. They reported that screening by visual inspection saved 269.31 life-years per 100,000 patients at a cost [read the full story…]
Childhood sexual abuse is a strong predictor of schizophrenia in later life, a leading psychiatrist has told the International Congress of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 2011. It is a contributing cause of 17 per cent of cases of psychotic illness including schizophrenia, Professor Paul Bebbington, Head of the Department of Mental Health Sciences at [read the full story…]
This meta-analysis looked at the ability of general practitioners (GPs) to recognize a spectrum of cognitive impairment from mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia in routine practice using their own clinical judgment. The authors found 15 studies reporting on dementia, seven studies that examined recognition of broadly defined cognitive impairment, and eight regarding mild cognitive impairment. By [read the full story…]
The healthcare needs of people with learning disabilities are well documented, we know they visit primary care professionals less often than would be expected and receive fewer screening tests and fewer health investigations. This U.S. study looked at the health status of ‘working-age adults with cognitive limitations’ and compared this with adults with no disability [read the full story…]
The uptake for breast mammography remains low for women with learning disabilities, despite a number of policy developments and guidelines in recent years. This study set out to understand better the experiences of women with learning disabilities undergoing breast mammography. The study team worked with four focus groups involving 19 women identified as having a [read the full story…]
This cohort study conducted by the Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme (IMMP) in New Zealand, set out to determine more accurately the rates of nocturnal enuresis in patients on clozapine and other atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone). Prescription data for clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine were returned from pharmacies throughout New Zealand directly to the [read the full story…]
This audit of clinical practice in a mental health service for people with learning disabilities looked at the current approach to people with learning disabilities and psychotic disorders. The researchers looked at clinical practice with 910 people who were patients of the learning disability psychiatrists in Buckinghamshire. The current approach to clinical practice in the [read the full story…]
The US National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association have published a new set of guidelines for diagnosing dementia and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease. All of the papers from the Alzheimer’s and Dementia journal are available online in full-text: Jack CR Jr, Albert MS, Knopman DS, McKhann GM, Sperling RA, Carrillo MC, Thies [read the full story…]
This Canadian paper looked at the situation of people with learning disabilities in Montreal who were homeless, to try to understand the nature of their situation, The paper draws on data from people who were known to a dedicated team in the city working with homeless people. The researchers collected data from files of 68 [read the full story…]
This study set out to investigate the natural history of thyroid function in adults with Down syndrome as there is currently a lack of good long-term follow-up data. The study team looked at annual thyroid function tests in 200 adults with Down syndrome over a 15-year period. They found that in healthy adults with Down [read the full story…]
