Caring for people with learning disabilities and dementia: pharmacotherapeutic considerations

People with learning disabilities, particularly those with Down’s syndrome, are at increased risk of developing dementia, often at a younger age than the general population. Although there is no cure for dementia, treatment can include dementia medicines that aim to alleviate the associated symptoms and delay progression of the disease. The dementia medicine selected depends on the type and stage of the condition, contraindications and potential drug interactions with those prescribed for comorbid health conditions. This article provides an overview of dementia in people with learning disabilities and explores the use of dementia medicines in this population, including the implications of comorbidities and polypharmacy in terms of dose titration and risk of side effects. The authors also discuss new and emerging dementia medicines.