bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lay people's judgements of storytellers as mentally retarded or not retarded
Authors: KERNAN K. T. , SABSAY S. , SHINN N.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Data from a study designed to elicit the criteria lay people use in judging whether speakers are mentally retarded or not retarded on the basis of speech samples were analysed to determine the factors explicitly stated to be the principal criteria. Two distinct patterns were discovered. In judging speakers as ‘mentally retarded’, a single feature of voice, speech or discourse evaluated as ‘poor’ was cited in the majority of cases. In judging speakers as ‘not retarded’, judges invoked multiple reasons in the majority of cases. Some feature of voice or speech was the most important single factor in correct identifications of mentally retarded speakers.
Physical aptitudes to exertion in children with Down's syndrome
Authors: EBERHARD Y. , ETERRADOSSI J. , RAPACCHI B.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The individual with Down's syndrome is characterized by apathy towards physical exercise. Ten untrained subjects with Down's syndrome and a control group have been tested at rest and after exercise on a bicycle ergometer. In subjects with Down's syndrome, the authors have observed: (a) a lower orthostatic index at rest; (b) a lower indirect maximal oxygen consumption; (c) a shorter performance time and a lower maximal workload; (d) a higher urinary catecholamines excretion; (e) a blood pressure which did not rise regularly with the workload increment. It is concluded that, in subjects with Down's syndrome, the low level of physical fitness is not only explained by lack of motivation but also by physiological impairments.
Unbalanced form of translocation deletion between chromosomes 6 and 22 in a mentally handicapped female [45,XX,‐6,‐22, + der(6),t(6;22) (q25.1:qll.2)]
Authors: JANCAR J. , KARKI C. B.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. A case of a mentally handicapped female with unbalanced form of translocation deletion between chromosomes 6 and 22 is reported. Clinical features, mental disorder and abnormal dermatoglyphs of the propositus are described.
S+ versus S‐ fading in teaching visual discriminations to severely mentally handicapped children
Authors: STRAND S. C.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Twenty‐seven severely mentally handicapped children in three matched groups were trained on both a complex and a simple visual discrimination task with: (1) prompt fading on S +; (2) prompt fading on S‐; or (3) no prompting (trial‐and‐error training). On the complex discrimination task, differences between groups were obscured by a floor effect. Only one subject from each group acquired the discrimination. However, on the simple discrimination task all nine S+ fading, eight S‐ fading and six trial‐and‐error training subjects attained criterion. Both S+: and S‐ fading groups made significantly fewer errors than the trial‐and‐error group but did not differ significantly from each other. Sixteen children who failed to acquire the complex discrimination in Experiment 1 also participated in Experiment 2. Subjects received additional training on the task by one of four procedures. Neither continued trial‐and‐error training, continued S+ or S‐ fading, reversals of the prompt between S+ and S ‐, or intensity fading resulted in acquisition of the task. Results are discussed in terms of overshadowing and task difficulty.
Dermatoglyphic indicators of congenital heart defects in Down's syndrome patients: a preliminary study
Authors: DURHAM N. M. , KOEHLER J. L.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. In a preliminary study fingerprint patterns of Down's syndrome children were examined to determine correlations with congenital heart defects (CHD). The results demonstrate that the left hand digit ridge count minus the right hand digit ridge count, and number of ridges on the fifth digit of the left hand, separate patients with CHD from those without heart defects (W/OHD). The method correctly classified 92% of the CHD group and 73% uf the W/OHD group.
Relaxation reduces disruption in mentally handicapped adults
Authors: McPHAIL C. H , CHAMOVE A. S.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. To assess the effects of modified relaxation training on subsequent disruptive behaviour, two groups of six non‐institutionalized mentally handicapped adults were compared. At the end of 3 weeks training, those given relaxation training showed 71% more relaxation after relaxation sessions and 74% less disruptive behaviour later in the day, whereas controls who were only told stories showed no decrease; aggression and verbal disruption showed the most consistent effects. This suggests that modified relaxation is rapidly effective in inducing relaxation and in reducing disruption.
A genetic diagnostic survey in an institutionalized population of 262 moderately mentally retarded patients: the Borgerstein experience
Authors: FRYNS J. P. , VOLCKE P.H. , HASPESLAGH M. , BEUSEN L. , VAN DEN BERGHE H.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. In this paper, the authors report the results of a genetic‐diagnostic survey of 262 instutionalized moderately mentally retarded patients and compare these data with their previous studies of the severely mentally retarded. Special attention is given towards the nosology of X‐linked mental retardation and familial mental retardation in general.
Folate treatment of a boy with fragile‐X syndrome
Authors: WEBB T. , CRAWLEY P. , BUNDEY S.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. A severely behaviourally disturbed three year old boy with the fragile‐X syndrome was treated wich intermittent folate therapy over a period of 2 years. No behavioural improvement was noted in this time but variations between cultural regimes for the successful detection of the fragile‐X marker were observed.
Down's syndrome and fragile‐X syndrome in a single patient
Authors: COLLACOTT R. A. , DUCKETT D. P. , MATHEWS D. , WARRINGTON J. S. , YOUNG I. D.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. A profoundly mentally handicapped patient is described with the karyotype 47,X, fra (X) (q27), + 21. Her phenotype demonstrates features of both Down's Syndrome and fragilc‐X syndrome. The authors believe only one other similar case has been described.
Association of acrocyanosis with Asperger's syndrome
Authors: CARPENTER P. K. , MORRIS D.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The authors present three men with both acrocyanosis and Asperger's syndrome. Though the general incidence of acrocyanosis is unknown, they suggest that it is probably more common in autistic disorders and may be caused by hyperserotonæaemia.
Trisomy 13 (Patau's syndrome): a rare case of survival into adulthood
Authors: SINGH K. S. T.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Survival of cases of trisomy 13 (Patau's syndrome) into adulthood is a rare phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to report one such survivor who has had the typical clinical features of trisomy 13 confirmed by chromosome analysis of both blood and skin, and to speculate on some of the factors that may have contributed to his unusually long survival.
A study of doctors' and parents' attitudes to people with mental handicaps
Authors: NURSEY A. D. , ROHDE J. R. , FARMER R. D. T.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The attitudes to people with mental handicaps held by a group of parents of children with mental handicaps and a group of doctors with some involvement in this area were compared using postal questionnaires. Doctors' estimates of how parents would respond were also compared with parents' responses and doctors' own responses. Four Likert‐type scales were refined covering attitudes towards the effect on the family, the place in society of people with mental handicaps, their quality of life, and independence and autonomy. Results indicated that parents had more positive attitudes than doctors except with regard to independence and autonomy, to which doctors had the most positive attitudes. Doctors were aware that parents were likely to see the effect on the family in a more positive light, and independence less positively, than themselves. However, they underestimated the degree of positivity of parents about the place of people with mental handicaps in society, and their quality of life, to the extent that they expected parents to be significantly less positive about quality of life than they themselves were, whilst parents in fact proved significantly more positive. The differing perspectives and experiences of parents and doctors are discussed and some suggestions made of ways in which doctors' appreciation of the parental perspective could be developed in an attempt to facilitate sympathetic communication between them.
Down's syndrome and thyroid disorder
Authors: DINANI S. , CARPENTER S.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The thyroid status of 106 adults with Down's syndrome was assessed. Six were previously diagnosed as hypothyroid and were already receiving thyroxine. A further 37 patients showed abnormal thyroid function. Biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism (T4 < SO nmol/1 and T.S.H.>4 mu/<) was found in one person. Six patients were found to have an unequivocally elevated T.S.H. but normal T4 (T4>50 nmol/l and T.S.H.>20 mu/1) and 29 were found to have a modest elevation of T.S.H. but normal T4 concentration (T4>50 nmol/1 and T.S.H. between 4 and 20 mu/l). There was one patient with milJ thyroloxicosis (T4= 180 nmol/1 and T.S.H.<0.1 mu/l). Clinical findings were of little use in making a diagnosis of hypothyroidism in this group of patients. A raised level of thyroid microsomal auto‐antibodies was found in about a third of the patients, this occurred more commonly in females and slightly more often in those with a raised thyroid stimulating hormone. The importance of this is discussed. Recommendations for regular biochemical screening are made.
Speech dysfluency and manual specialization in Down's syndrome
Authors: DEVENNY D. A. , SILVERMAN W. P.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The relationship between speech dysfluency and manual lateralisation was studied in 31 adults with Down's syndrome. Analysis of speech samples from videotapes indicated that frequency of dysfluency ranged from normal to very severe; 42% of the subjects were stutterers. Manual lateralization was measured by the demonstrated use of five objects (pencil, comb, toothbrush, ball and scissors); 61% of the subjects had a clear right‐hand preference, 13% a left‐hand preference, and the remaining subjects (39%) were mixed‐handed. Increased dysfluency was associated with increased non‐right‐handedness, and this finding could not be explained by reference to either generalized linguistic or intellectual deficits. Results suggest individual variation in the speech motor control system in adults with Down's syndrome which may be associated with anomalous cerebral dominance.
The 49, XXXXY syndrome: clinical and psychological findings in five patients
Authors: CURHS L. M. G. , SCHREPPERS‐TIJDINK G. , WIEGERS A. , BORGHGRAEF M. , FRYNS J. P.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. In this study clinical and psychological findings arc presented in live 49.XXXXY patients. Their degree of mental retardation varied greatly, i.e. from moderalely to profoundly retarded. A decline in intelligence performance with age was obserived in one boy. Language developmenl was severely retarded with a remarkable discrepancy between language expression and comprehension. Emotional disturbances with low frustration level, timidity and shyness were noted in all live and their level of adaptive functioning was much higher than the cognitive level.
Hypercarotenaemia in children with Down's syndrome
Authors: STORM W.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. In previous reports, deficiencies in serum vitamin A were considered a frequent finding in persons with Down's syndrome. Based on this assumption, the regular determination of both serum carotene and vitamin A has been recommended for the preventive care of this population. In the author's preventive medicine clinic for children with Down's syndrome, we have checked these items routinely in 44 fasting patients (aged 14 months to 19 years). The author was surprised to find no patient with either a deficiency of carotene or vitamin A, but 14 patients had hypercarotenemia. Any known aetiology of this finding, such as excessive ingestion, diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism, could not be verified. It has to be mentioned that the previous reports on serum carotene levels were based on determinations by conventional spectrophoto‐metric methods (normal range: 50‐670 μg/dl), whereas the author applied an improved method of high‐performance liquid chromatography with a much lower normal range (50‐750 μg/l). Further investigations are to be performed to verify these findings and to evaluate probable mechanisms of hypercarotenemia in persons with Down's syndrome.
Sleep problems in children with mental handicap
Authors: QUINE L.
Published: July 2010

This paper reports on a longitudinal study of sleep problems in 200 children with severe mental handicap. Sleep problems were exiremely common: 51% of children had settling problems. 67% of children had waking problems, and 32% of parents said they rarely got enough sleep. Sleep problems were also very persistent: between a half and two‐thirds of children who exhibited sleep problems ai Time 1 still had them 3 years later. Sleep problems were associated with a number of child characteristics: poor communication skills, poor academic skills, poor self‐help skills, incontinence, daytime behaviour problems and epilepsy. There were no relationships with family variables such as social class, income, family composition or housing tenure. However, maternal stress, maternal irritability and pwrceived impact on the family were related to sleep problems. A Sleep Index was constructed, and path analysis was used to trace the main causal pathways of the child, family and social characteristics. Ten variables explained 50% of the variance in the Sleep Problems Index. Communication skills played a pivotal role. The implications of the findings for intervention strategies are discussed.
Validation of the Pethna toy through changes in collateral behaviours
Authors: STURMEY P. , WOODS D. , CRISP A. G.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The Pethna toy is a recendy developed toy designed for people with severe and profound mental handicaps. It delivers sensory consequences for the use of simple manipulanda. Two experimental studies evaluated the Pethna toy by monitoring changes in multiple, collateral behaviours. Experiment I demonstrated statistically significant decreases in turn away and stereotyped behaviour and increases in smiling. Experiment II demonstrated highly idiosyncratic changes in collateral behaviours in three adults with multiple handicaps. In all cases, turn away decreased. The role of response‐response relationship, subject attention and relationship of sensory behaviours to stereotypies are discussed.
Behavioural observations in children with Down's syndrome
Authors: PUESCHEL S. M. , BERNIER J. C. , PEZZULLO J. C.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. . The behavioural characteristics of 40 children with Down's syndrome were studied using the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist which was completed by both the children's parents and teachers. Statistically significant differences were observed between study and control groups on externalizing and total scores on responses obtained from both parents and teachers, but not nn internalizing scores. Further analysis of the data on a subgroup of 28 children between the ages of 6 and 11 years revealed a ‘hyperactive’ profile pattern for both boys (n=16) and girls (n=12). This was primarily due to heavily weighted positive responses to such statements as ‘acts too young’, ‘can't concentrate’, ‘impulsive’, and ‘speech problems’. About one half of the boys sometimes exhibited hyperactive behaviours. In addition, scores of children with Down's syndrome were significantly different from control children on the following items: ‘trouble sleeping’, ‘demands a lot of attention’, ‘clings to adults’, ‘stubborn’, ‘prefers playing with younger children’, and ‘is disobedient at school and home’. In general, however, item analysis revealed that most behaviours of children with Down's syndrome as recorded on the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist compare well with those of children in the control group.
Effect of thyroid stimulating hormone on adaptive behaviour in Down's syndrome
Authors: BHAUMIK S. , COLLACOTT R. A. , GARRICK P. , MITCHELL C.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Patients with Down's syndrome are particularly vulnerable to the development of both hypothyroidism and Alzheimer's disease. Both hypothyroidism and Alzheimer's disease may be associated with elevated serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone. In a group of institutionalized Down's syndrome patients with normal thyroid function, global scores of ability were higher than in a group of patients with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels in the presence of normal T3 and T4. The actual concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone were shown to be significantly and inversely correlated with scores of global abilities. If these findings are reproducible, the authors believe that thyroid stimulating hormone estimation may provide confirmatory evidence of clinical dementia in this group of mentally handicapped individuals.
Moderate and mild mental retardation in the Martin‐Bell syndrome
Authors: WEBB T. , THAKE A.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. A survey of children attending schools for the moderately or the mildly mentally handicapped has shown that two out of 25 boys and two out of 22 girls with idiopathic moderate mental retardation had the Martin‐Bell syndrome, while none of 75 boys and one out of 51 girls with mild mental retardation were FRAXA positive. Consideration of these figures along with published studies suggests that 7% of moderate and 3–8% of mild idiopathic mental retardation in boys, and 2–5% of moderate and 3–3% of mild idiopathic mental retardation in girls may be due to the Martin‐Bell syndrome.
Increased activity of pyridoxal kinase in tongue in Down's syndrome
Authors: COBURN S. P. , MAHUREN J. D. , SCHALTENBRAND W. E.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The concentrations of B6 vitamins, and the activities of pyridoxal kinase, pyridoxamine phosphate oxidase and pyridoxal phosphate phosphatase were measured in tongue. Pyridoxal kinase activity was significantly greater (P<0.01) in Down's syndrome subjects compared with controls.
A community‐based mental handicap out‐patient clinic: a 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: SINGH T. H. , RADHAKRISHNAN G. , RICHARDSON E. M.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. ABSTRACT. A 5‐year retrospective study of mentally handicapped patients referred to the only community‐based mental handicap out‐patient clinic in a county with an approximate population of 360 000 is presented. The clinic has been functioning for about 10 years and has been consultant‐based. Areas for study include: referral rate; source of referral; degree of handicap; superimposed mental illness, behaviour disorder and epilepsy; and the proportion of patients needing admission to the unit for further assessment/treatment. Some implications are discussed.
Staff perceptions of sadness among people with mental handicaps
Authors: CLARK A. K. , REED J. , STURMEY P.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. This study investigated the use of an informant behaviour checklist to examine carestaff perceptions of sadness among a hospital population of people with mental handicaps. Using Cohen's kappa statistic there were only three checklist items which had acceptable levels of inter‐rater agreement (physical aggression, crying and verbal abuse) with no significant variation in the incidence of those behaviours according to the severity of mental handicap. The findings suggest that future research might attend to concepts of sadness among carestaff and their ability to identify sad emotional states in a reliable manner.
Treatment of epilepsy in mentally retarded patients with a slow‐release carbamazine preparation
Authors: KASKI M. , HEINONEN E. , SIVENIUS J. , TUOMINEN J. , ANTTILA M.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Pharmacokinetic properties and efficacy of a conventional (C) carbamazepine (CBZ) prepararion divided into three daily doses and a slow‐release CBZ preparation (SR) divided into two daily doses were evaluated in a randomized, doubleblind, cross‐over study. The trial started with a 8‐week baseline period followed by the two treatment periods each 10 weeks long. At the end of each period, a 24‐h blood sample series for determination of serum CBZ and carbamazepine‐10,11‐epoxide (CBZE] was collected. The occurrence of seizures was monitored day and night during the whole study period by experienced nurses. The mean age of the 20 evaluable patients was 24.9 and the duration of epilepsy 19.2 and carbamazepine treatment 7.0 years. The bioavailability of CBZ from the two preparations was similar. The mean fluctuation of serum CBZ concentration (Cmax‐Cmin/CSS) was 16% smaller during SR. The mean serum CBZ concentration in the morning samples was significantly (P<0.001) higher during SR treatment. The mean total number of seizures was approximately four per week and did not differ between the two treatments, but during the last 2 weeks of the study period the occurrence of seizures was significantly smaller during SR (P=0.02).
The partial monosomy 10q syndrome: report on two patients and review of the developmental data
Authors: SCHRANDER‐STUMPEL C. , FRYNS J.‐P. , HAMERS G.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Two patients, a boy and a girl, with growth delay, mental retardation and mild dysmorphism due to a de novo terminal 10q deletion are described. A recognizable facial appearance with a prominent nose and dysplastic ears was present. Specific attention is given to the developmental and behavioural data of the children. A review is made of the psychologic data of the 18 earlier reported surviving cases.
Subtest profiles of the WISC‐R and WAIS in mentally retarded patients with epilepsy
Authors: FORCEVILLE E. J. M. , DEKKER M. J. A. , ALDENKAMP A. P. , ALPHERTS W. C. J. , SCHELVIS A. J.
Published: July 2010

In this study, WISC‐R and WAIS subtest profiles of mentally retarded patients with epilepsy are analysed with respect to the Verbal‐Performance IQ Discrepancy scores and rank order of mean subtest scores. The relative strengths and weaknesses in cognitive patterns of this sample are compared with subtest profiles mentioned in the literature on mentally retarded populations and samples of normal intelligent patients with epilepsy in order to determine the impact of epilepsy factors on cognition. The results indicate that people with mental retardation have problems with the verbal subtests Arithmetic, Vocabulary and Information, while patients with epilepsy have problems with Coding (Digit Symbol), Digit Span and Information. For this sample of mentally retarded patients with epilepsy, the most difficult subtests are Digit Span and Coding. The results concerning subtest profiles in different populations are discussed in light of the deleterious impact of epilepsy on cognition, which may superimpose the general effect of brain damage in mentally retarded patients. It is suggested that especially attentional processes, as measured with the subtest Coding, are vulnerable for epilepsy factors.
Predicting adaptive behaviour of severely and profoundly mentally retarded children with early cognitive measures
Authors: KAHN J. V.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. A longitudinal study was conducted to determine the ability of the Uzgiris and Hunt scales to predict adaptive behaviour including, but not limited to, language. The Uzgiris and Hunt scales, six of the ABS domains and the Receptive‐Expressive Emergeni Language (REEL) scale were administered to 61 children who were severely or profoundly mentally retarded. The ABS domains and the REEL were readministered 4 years later. The findings generally supported earlier cross‐sectional research and thoery. However, this methodology permitted the finding that the earlier score on the ABS domain or REEL was by far the best single predictor of the later score on that same measure, an intuitively obvious, but nevertheless, important finding. The findings were interpreted regarding their implications for theory, practice and methodology.
Ageing in higher functioning adults with Down's syndrome: an interim report in a longitudinal study
Authors: DEVENNY D. A. , HILL A. L. , PATXOT O. , SILVERMAN W. P. , WISNIEWSKI K. E.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT.Mildly and moderately mentally retarded adults, who live in the community, were examined for global changes in mental status and specific changes in auditory and visual memory over a period of 3–5 years. Twenty‐eight subjects with Down's syndrome (DS) between the ages of 27 arid 55 years were compared to 18 subjects without DS who were of similar IQ and age. The evaluation of mental status consisted of testing orientation to person, place and time, object naming, visuomotor coordination, and concentration. Auditory memory was tested with an adapted version of the Buschke Memory test. Visual memory testing consisted of matching shapes which were presented simultaneously and after delays of 0, 5 and 10s on a computer‐controlled screen. No changes were found in test scores between an initial testing and follow‐up testing up to 5 years later, indicating that ageing processes were not having a major impact in the cognitive functioning of these subjects. Furthermore, there was no indication of any generalized decline in performance suggestive of early symptoms of dementia among the older subjects with DS.
Postural stability, tardive dyskinesia and developmental disability
Authors: KO Y. G. , VAN EMMERIK R. E. A. , SPRAGUE R. L. , NEWELL K. M.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The postural stability of four adult populations was examined through force platform methods. The four groups were classified as: (1) developmentally disabled (severely and profoundly mentally retarded) with tardive dyskinesia; (2) developmentally disabled but with no history of neuroleptic medication; (3) tardive dyskinetic but of normal intelligence; and (4) a normal and healthy control group. Postural conditions included standing still with arms at side, standing still with one arm or both arms parallel to the ground, and standing still while swinging both arms in the sagittal plane. The findings showed that both tardive dyskinetic and/or developmentally disabled groups exhibited greater sway and variability in centre of pressure motion in contrast to the control group. The developmental disabled with tardive dyskinesia group also exhibited a strong tendency to produce a different form to the postural sway strategy in that they produced rhythmical centre of pressure motions during stance that were, to some degree, task dependent. The findings show that the combined effects of developmental disability and tardive dyskinesia produce qualitatively and quantitatively different features in postural stability panems. The data suggest that postural stability measures may be a useful index to assess tardive dyskinesia.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Down's syndrome and other mentally handicapped adults living in the community
Authors: BELL A. J. , BHATE M. S.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. To find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the mentally handicapped, 183 subjects living in the community were studied; 58 of whom had Down's syndrome. It was found that 70–58% of males and 95–83% of females with Down's syndrome, and 49–29% males and 62–96% females from other mentally handicapped subjects, were categorized as overweight and obese, compared with 40% of males and 32% females in that category from normal population.
The administration of psychotropic and anticonvulsant drugs to children with profound intellectual disability and multiple impairments*
Authors: HOGG J.
Published: July 2010

A national (England and Wales) postal survey of families with a son or daughter with profound intellectual disability and multiple physical and sensory impairments who lived at home was undertaken. A section ofthe questionnaire dealt widi prescription of major tranquillizers, drugs with a sedative function, anticonvulsants and stimulants, while among other variables information was also collected on sex, age, behaviour problems, sleep difficulties and epilepsy. Of children and adults: 5.3 and 7.9%, respectively, were receiving major tranquillizers; 28.5 and 24.5%, respectively, were prescribed drugs with a sedative function; and 53.4 and 52.7% were in receipt of anticonvulsants, with no individuals in receipt of stimulants. Only 1–5% ofthe total sample received major tranquillizers, drugs with a sedative function and anticonvulsants, though 18.9% were prescribed drugs from two classes, notably drugs with a sedative function and anticonvulsants. In all, 66.3% ofthe combined child and adult samples received at least one drug from the classes investigated. No sex bias in prescribing was found. Receipt of major tranquillizers bore some relation to reported behaviour problems, while administration of sedatives and anticonvulsants were related respectively to reports of sleep problems and occurrence of epilepsy.
Prediction of the number of Down's syndrome infants to be born in England and Wales up to the year 2000 and their likely survival rates
Authors: NICHOLSON A. , ALBERMAN E.
Published: July 2010

Using current demographic projection of maternal age‐structure, age‐specific fertility rates, and the availability, detection and utilization rates of prenatal diagnosis and subsequent termination rates, predictions are made of the likely numbers of births witb Down's syndrome (DS) in England and Wales to be expected up to the year 2000. Further predictions are made of age‐specific prevalence of the condition bearing in mind recent trends in stirvival. These figures show that, despite current screening policies based on maternal age alone, the observed live birth prevalence of DS will rise to levels higher tban bave been seen for 20 years. Together with consistently increased survival, this will mean that, throughout the next century, tbe population prevalence of DS will be higher than ever before. Work based in other countries has reached similar conclusions. As the prevention of all birtbs affected by DS is not possible in the forseeable future, and some would argue that it is not desirable, society will need to provide for those affected.
A double‐blind comparison of zuclopenithixol tablets with placebo in the treatment of mentally handicapped in‐patients with associated behavioural disorders
Authors: SINGH I. , OWINO W. J. E.
Published: July 2010

Fifty‐two mentally‐handicapped in‐patients with associated behavioural disorders were entered into this double‐blind trial comparing zuclopemhixol dihydrochloride tablets (10 mg) with placebo. The study consisted of a 6‐week open phase, in which all patients were treated with zuclopenthixol tablets, followed by a 12‐week double‐blind phase where approximately half of the patients were transferred to placebo tablets. Demographic data was obtained from the patients at entry to the study. Clinical assessments were performed at weeks 6, 7, 8, 10, 14 and 18 using the Clinical Global Assessment (CGA), a Behavioural Disorder Assessment prepared specially for this study, and a side‐effect check list. Analyses of the rating scales showed significant differences in favour of zuclopenthixol at end‐point on the item‘improvement in behaviour disorder’from the CGA and at week 14 and end‐point on the Assessment of Behavioural Disorder. All other results demonstrated a favourable trend towards the zuclopenthixol treatment. Side‐effects were reported slightly more frequently in the zuclopenthixot group, but generally, they were not a problem.
A psychodynamic approach to emotional difficulties within a social framework*
Authors: FRANKISH P.
Published: July 2010

Emotional difficulties and their relationship to challenging behaviour are recognized and treated in a normal environment, providing a measurable reduction in maladaptive and anti‐social behaviour. The implications for community care are highlighted.
Dual diagnosis: an annotated bibliography of recent research
Authors: STURMEY P. , SEVIN J.
Published: July 2010

This article presents a reading list on dual diagnosis based around the DSM‐III‐R classification of mental illness.
The accuracy of predicting treadmill VO2max for adults with mental retardation, with and without Down's syndrome, using ACSM gender‐ and activity‐specific regression equations
Authors: CLIMSTEIN M. , PITETTI K. H. , BARRETT P. J. , CAMPBELL K. D.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) prediction equations for calculating peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) in young adults with mental retardation. A total of 32 subjects with mental retardation participated in this study: 15 young adults with Down's syndrome (DS) and 17 non‐DS young adults (NDS). Subjects were matched for age, gender and intelligence quotient (IQ). Subjects were given a standard treadmill‐graded exercise test to determine peak heart rate (HR) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2max). Subjects were connected to a metabolic cart during the test. Peak VO2 was predicted using ACSM's prediction equations where predicted VO2max is: men, 57.8–0.445 (age); and women, 42.3–0.356 (age). Statistical significance between groups was determined using a two‐tail t‐test, with alpha set a priori at 0.05. The DS group had a significantly (P=0.0003) lower peak HR(DS 155.90 ± 12.12 vs NDS 175.38±9.87) and per cent HR achieved (P=0.0007) (DS 80.26±6.76 vs NDS 89.39±4.46) as compared to the NDS group. Differences were also found between groups with respect to peak oxygen consumption. The DS had a significahtly (P=0.006) lower peak oxygen uptake (ml kg(−1) min(−1) as compared to the NDS group (23–68±4.01 vs 31.00±7.11, respectively). Significant differences (P=0.007) were accordingly observed with respect to per cent predicted oxygen uptake achieved (DS 55.22± 10.61 vs NDS 73.27±19.15). A nearly two‐fold difference (P=0.01) was observed with respect to the functional aerobic impairment between the DS (44.79±10.61)and NDS (28.29±18.63) groups, further illustrating the impaired peak cardiovascular capacities of both groups. The results of this study indicated that use of the ACSM gender and activity specific prediction equations in young adults with mental retardation (DS and NDS), peak VO2 is significantly over‐predicted (83.9 and 39.2%, respectively). Therefore, peak oxygen consumption and derived exercise prescriptions must be based on actual measurements, rather than via ACSM prediction equations. Otherwise, training intensities may be over‐predicted and impose possible health risks.
Parents' and teachers' praxes of and attitudes to the health and sex education of young people with mental handicaps: a study in Stockholm and Tokyo
Authors: KATODA H.
Published: July 2010

In 1989/1990, parents and teachers of young people with mental handicaps in Stockholm (41 parents and 20 teachers) and Tokyo (106 parents and 111 teachers) were given a questionnaire about their praxes of and attitudes towards health and sex education. Results from the study indicated that, compared to parents and teachers in Tokyo, parents and teachers in Stockholm gave more information about health and sex to their 15–16‐year‐old young people with mental handicaps. This was especially so regarding information about HIV/AIDS. More parents and teachers in Stockholm also had positive attitudes towards sex and interpersonal relationships — not only for young people in general but also for young people with mental handicaps — compared to parents and teachers in Tokyo. Some questions of an ethical nature were found difficult to answer in both Stockholm and Tokyo.
Staff turnover in ordinary housing services for people with severe or profound mental handicaps
Authors: FELCE D. , LOWE K. , BESWICK J.
Published: July 2010

The characteristics and turnover of direct‐care staff in two housing services for adults with moderate, severe or profound mental handicaps are described. Both staff groups were predominantly female with a good representation of staff aged under 30, and between 30 and 50 years. Most had prior experience in a caring capacity before taking up their current posts, but only a quarter to a third had a relevant vocational qualification. Turnover was similar in the two services, but varied considerably between settings in each. Average annual turnover ranged from 8 to 39% in one and from 5 to 48% in the other. However, most houses still had a core of long‐serving staff providing continuity over time. The implications of the level of staff turnover found for management and staff training are discussed, as are the reasons for leaving given by former staff of one of the services, together with their views on job satisfaction, conditions of work, and the adequacy of management and training.
Epilepsy, dementia and adaptive behaviour in Down's syndrome
Authors: COLLACOTT R. A.
Published: July 2010

Widespread enquiry identified 378 adults with Down's syndrome resident in Leicestershire, England. The immediate carer of 351 of these (92.8%) was interviewed for the purpose of establishing a past history of seizures, including the age at which the seizures began. The immediate carer was also invited to provide information to enable the completion of an Adaptive Behaviour Scale (A.B.S.) rating. Individuals with a history of seizures were divided into two groups on the basis of whether or not seizures commenced prior to or after age 35 years. Two control groups of individuals with Down's syndrome, but without a history of seizures were selected. Adaptive Behaviour Scale scores for those in whom seizures commenced at a younger age were similar to those who had no recorded history of seizures. However, in those in whom seizures began in later life, scores on all domains of the A.B.S. were significantly reduced compared to both young epileptic patients and their controls. Adaptive Behaviour Scale scores for the older control group held an intermediate position, suggesting that late‐onset epilepsy may be a late manifestation of a dementing process. A clinical diagnosis of dementia recorded in the case records was significantly associated with the presence of late‐onset epilepsy. This is supportive of the hypothesis that late‐onset epilepsy in individuals with Down's syndrome is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Pathological jealousy and mental handicap
Authors: COOPER S. A. , COLLACOTT R. A.
Published: July 2010

Though widely reported in the general population, pathological jealousy has not previously been reported in an individual with a mental handicap. We describe the case of a 39‐year‐old man with a borderline mental handicap and an abnormal premorbid personality who demonstates the condition.
Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus in non‐institutionalized children and adolescents affected by handicap
Authors: DI CIOMMO V. , FERRARIO F. , DE GASPERI M. ROSSI , DE MARCHIS C. , ALBERTINI G.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The aim ofthe study is to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in a population of non‐institutionalized handicapped 1–19‐yearold patients. Thirty‐six out of 70 patients lived in southern Italy and 19 were affected by Down's syndrome. Only three (4.2%) were positive for anti‐HBc (one of these also for anti‐HBs) and none for HBsAg. Low prevalence seems to indicate that no particular anti‐HBV vaccination strategy is to be considered on this subset of population and on their contacts. Serrum prevalence of HBV among nurses and other members of personnel was 11.3%.
Fragile‐X syndrome in North East Essex: towards systematic screening: clinical selection
Authors: SABARATNAM M. , LAYER S. , BUTLER L. , PEMBREY M.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. A systematic screening for fragile‐X syndrome, using various clinical criteria to preselect for cytogenetic testing, was performed throughout the North East Essex Health District on 1100 people attending three different local services for people with learning disability. The selection procedure used varied from a gestalt impression to head, ear and testis measurement depending on the setting. Fifty‐nine males and five females who met the selection criteria went on to have chromosome studies. Of these, 23 males and one female were positive (more than 4% positive cells). They came from 19 families. Whilst the true prevalence of fragile‐X syndrome is not known in the district, at a minimum, it contributed 3.2% of the institutionalized males (health authority care), 4.4% of the boys and 2.1% of the girls attending special schools for severe learning disability, 7.9% of the boys attending schools for mild learning disability (Local Education Authority), and 3.5% of men attending the two adult training centres within the district (social services). These figures compare well with the yield from reported surveys in which all individuals without a known diagnosis were tested cytogenetically.
The consistency of reports about feelings and emotions from people with intellectual disability
Authors: LINDSAY W. R. , MICHIE A. M. , BATY F. J. , SMITH A. H. W. , MILLER S.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Sixty‐seven subjects with mild or moderate intellectual disability were assessed on a variety of measures of emotion. All of the measures were self‐report measures and all of the data is based on reports by die subjects' themselves. The battery included the Zung Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale, the Zung Depression Inventory, the General Health Questionnaire and the Eysenck‐Widi‐ers Personality Test. The results reveal an impressive amount of convergent validity in the subjects' emotional systems.
Multi‐infarct dementia in Down's syndrome
Authors: COLLACOTT R. A. , COOPER S.A. , ISMAIL I. A.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT.In spite of a burgeoning literature on the association of Down's syndrome with Alzheimer's disease, the occurrence of multi‐infarct dementia has largely been overlooked. A 55‐year‐old woman with Down's syndrome in whom a dementing process was associated with evidence of significant cerebrovascular disease is reported here. It is considered that she sustained both multi‐infarct dementia and probable Alzheimer's disease. It is suggested that such cases are under‐reported
Dendritic and histochemical development and ageing in patients with Down's syndrome
Authors: TAKASHIMA S. , IIDA K. , MITO T. , ARIMA M.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Mental retardation and dementia characteristic of Down's syndrome (DS) have a complex pathogenesis. Golgi and immunohistochemical studies were done on DS patients and controls from foetuses and elderly adults. Golgi studies on the cerebral cortex revealed that the postsynaptic spines on the basal dendrites increase from neonate to 15 years of age and gradually decrease after 20 years in controls, but poorly increase in children and rapidly decrease in adults with DS. This deficient synaptogenesis and dendritic atrophy may be related to mental retardation. On the other hand, immunohistochem‐istry on proteins, whose genes are located on chromosome 21, revealed that c‐temiinal protein of beta‐amyloid appears in neurons of DS, S‐100‐positive glia increases in the hippocampus of neonates and adults, and membrane protein OK‐2 is expressed earlier and is more widespread in the DS brains. The overexpression and early appearance of gene products in DS brains may be related to the pathogenesis of or predisposition to mental disorders or to dendritic hypogenesis.
Report of a national survey of older people with lifelong intellectual handicap in New Zealand
Authors: HAND J. E.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. This paper reports on a national project to investigate the numbers, health status and service needs of people with mental retardation born before 1940. A prevalence of 1–43 per thousand was established nationally, with wide regional variation. Intensive local case finding produced 19% of the study group, not otherwise known to service agencies. In 1990, 42% of the population resided in institutions, 7% with family, 13% in rest homes, and 38% in community‐based residential facilities. Of 1063 cases identified, 13% were people with Down's syndrome, 25% were identified as having a psychiatric diagnosis and 17% as having epilepsy, but 23% had no major disability. About 32% had visual problems, 40% had weight problems and 75% received regular medication. Seventy‐five per cent have at least occasional contact with their families. The service system is in the process of change as a result of shifts in public policy, responsibility and funding. Personal interview data, reported elsewhere, demonstrated the desire and ability of the people concerned to be included in these decisions. Major needs identified were therapeutic services, medical care, community and recreational services, and support for families. Research areas recommended as priorities are consensus classification and definition of the population, identification of patterns of ageing among different subgroups, and studies of public policy.
Efficacy of a pre‐retirement planning intervention for ageing individuals with mental retardation
Authors: LAUGHLIN C. , GOTTEN P. D.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. This report describes a study designed to identify variables related to attitudes toward retirement among adults with mental retardation. Seventy‐five adults with mild to moderate mental retardation were compared to a group of age peers drawn from the employee population of a regional centre in a Southern American state. It was found that a general satisfaction with life and feelings of preparedness for retirement were strongly related to attitudes toward retirement among both groups. Other common corelates that were significantly related among both groups included financial preparedness, health perceptions, orientation to work and commitment to work. Also observed was a high correlation between life satisfaction and orientation to work and commitment to work among both groups. The authors also found that pre‐retirement planning did prove to be a generally effective means of teaching older adults with mental retardation the options that are available during their retirement years, but did not seem to change their attitudes toward retirement or life satisfaction. The auhors conclude that retirement has positive connotations for most individuals with mental retardation, particularly if they feel that they are prepared for it.
Visual impairment among people with developmental delay
Authors: WARBURG M.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. The prevalence of visual impairment (V.I.) has been described in people living in large institutions, but there is no information about the prevalence among all adult people with developmental delay (D.D.). The present study shows that the prevalence is 10‐fold that of adults without D.D. Caregivers have difficulties in assessing V.I., hence professional examinations for all are necessary. Many V.I. people with D.D. simply need corrective spectacles. V.I. people with D.D. often have additional disabilities, thus 50% of patients with optic nerve atrophy or with cortical V.I. have epilepsy, cerebral palsy or both. Half the individuals with D.D. and V.I. were unable to speak, walk alone or feed themselves.
Group Engagement: a conceptual analysis
Authors: STURMEY P. , CRISP A. G.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT. Group engagement is an approach which farther advances the concept of group engagement but is empirically weak in identifying those behaviours that are related to learning. A definition of group engagement which emphasized age‐appropriate, functional behaviours which fall within the set curriculum has finally been developed. This approach is the most conceptually sophisticated approach, is ideologically acceptable, and has some empirical validation. Future research should concentrate on articulating clear principles to guide operationalization and validation. The development of several different operationalizations of engagement for clearly specified different purposes is recommended. Group engagement measures should be subject to greater psychometric analysis. The use of disaggregation of group engagement to analyse the behaviour of individuals and component behaviours is recommended