Intellectual Disability Group Research Articles

Periodontal Health among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Living in a Saudi Institutional Rehabilitation Centre.

The aim of this study was to explore periodontal health among intellectually disabled individuals living in an institutional rehabilitation centre in the Al-Baha Region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024. Clinical oral examinations were carried out using the World Health Organization criteria for bleeding sites and the presence of periodontal pockets. Simplified oral hygiene and community periodontal indices were employed to evaluate participants' oral health. A total of 89 participants, comprising both males and females with intellectual disabilities, were included in this study. Gender, severity of intellectual disability, type of additional physical disability, tooth brushing habits and oral hygiene status were significantly associated with the presence of periodontal disease. Additionally, poor oral hygiene, not brushing teeth and periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm and 6 mm or more were significantly more prevalent among individuals with severe and moderate intellectual disabilities (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The prevalence of periodontal disease among the studied population was 54%. The odds of having periodontal disease were significantly higher in the severe intellectual disability group compared to the mild intellectual disability group (OR = 2.328, 95% CI = 1.430-3.631, p = 0.03). It was also found that intellectually disabled participants with additional physical disabilities suffered more from periodontal disease than those without additional physical disabilities (OR = 0.971, 95% CI = 0.235-4.023, p = 0.025). Overall, individuals with intellectual disabilities had a significant demand for periodontal care. This study highlighted the need for more organised preventive programmes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Dentists should be vigilant about improving periodontal health, focus on preventive programmes and provide comprehensive dental care with an emphasis on periodic recall and monitoring.

The violence profile of male mentally disordered offenders in a high secure unit in Turkiye

Our knowledge of the severity and reoffending is limited for mentally disordered offenders, and studies generally evaluate without separation between different diagnostic groups. It was aimed to determine the general profile of mentally disordered offenders who are inpatients in a high secure psychiatry unit from Turkiye and to evaluate the factors associated with violence profiles among different diagnostic groups. According to the results the schizophrenia patients committed the most severe crimes, and intellectual disability patients had some different features from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients. History of substance misuse in the intellectual disability group (p = 0,045) and comorbid antisocial personality disorder in the bipolar disorder group (p = 0,015) were associated with increased crime severity. Substance misuse history, history of substance use during the crime, and the existence of comorbid antisocial personality disorder were associated with increased offenses in each of the three diagnosis groups. Living alone (p = 0,004) and having a suicide history (p= 0,052) were associated with the high number of offenses in the schizophrenia group. This study is the first study that compares three diagnostic groups to involve a large patient group. We believe that clinicians must evaluate these parameters for the violence risk assessment of patients.

Effects of a dual-task activity on gait parameters of people with and without intellectual disabilities.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate gait parameters in people with intellectual disability (ID) and without intellectual disability (WID) in two different walking conditions [single task vs. dual task (DT)]. A secondary aim was to evaluate the dual-task cost (DTC) that the DT causes in each group. A total of 119 participants joined in this study: 56 ID (30 men) and 63 WID (30 men). The OptoGait system was used to assess gait. In addition, Witty photocells were added to assess gait under the DT condition. Single support time was lower for participants with ID (P<0.01), while double support time was higher (P<0.05). All coefficients of variation for gait parameters were higher in participants with ID. Additionally, changes in gait were observed in both groups during the DT condition compared with the single-task condition. These changes were larger for participants with ID in step length, double support time and gait speed (P<0.001), resulting in a higher DTC in these variables in the ID group (P<0.01). Both groups reduced gait performance in the DT condition. However, greater gait variability occurred in the ID group. In addition, DTC was higher for the ID group in all variables analysed. Therefore, people with ID show worse gait performance during a DT than people WID.

Early discontinuation of ambulatory vEEG among individuals with intellectual disabilities: A retrospective chart review

ObjectiveThis retrospective chart review aims to quantify the rate of patients with intellectual disability (ID) accessing an Australian ambulatory EEG service, and understand the clinical implications of discontinuing studies prematurely. MethodsElectronic records of referrals, patient monitoring notes, and EEG reports were accessed retrospectively. Each referral was assessed to determine whether the patient had an ID. For each study where patients were discharged prematurely, the outcomes of their EEG report were assessed and compared between the ID and non-ID groups. Exploratory analysis was performed assessing the effects of age, the percentage of the requested monitoring undertaken, and outcome rates as a function of monitoring duration. ResultsThere were significantly more patients in the ID group with early disconnection than the non-ID group (Chi squared test, p = 0.000). There was no significant difference in the rates of clinical outcomes between the ID and non-ID groups amongst patients who disconnected early. ConclusionsAlthough rates of early disconnection are higher in those with ID, study outcomes are largely similar between patients with and without ID in this retrospective analysis of an ambulatory EEG service. SignificanceAmbulatory EEG is a viable modality of EEG monitoring for patients with ID.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration is different between autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability children and adolescents

PurposeRecent studies showed that mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Whether their levels are different between ASD and intellectual disability (ID) subjects is not clear. The aim of this study is to compare the serum mBDNF and proBDNF concentration, and mBNDF/proBDNF ratio in ASD and ID volunteers. MethodsChildren and adolescents with ASD or ID between the ages of 4 and 22 were recruited in Tianjin, China. Serum mBDNF and proBDNF level were tested and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) evaluations were conducted. ResultsSerum mBDNF concentration and the ratio of mBDNF to proBDNF was higher in ASD subjects than that in ID subjects (P = 0.035 and P < 0.001, respectively), while serum proBDNF of ASD participants was lower compared to that of ID participants (P < 0.001). CARS score was positively correlated with serum mBDNF level (r = 0.33, P = 0.004) and m/p ratio (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with serum proBDNF level (r = −0.39, <0.001) after adjusting for age and IQ. The AUC of mBDNF, proBDNF, and m/p ratio were 0.741, 0.790, and 0.854, respectively, after adjusted for age and IQ. ConclusionSerum mBDNF, proBDNF and m/p ratio were different between ASD and ID group. The three biomarkers displayed good diagnostic values for classification of ASD and ID subjects.

The use of eye-tracking technology as a tool to evaluate social cognition in people with an intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundRelatively little is known about social cognition in people with intellectual disability (ID), and how this may support understanding of co-occurring autism. A limitation of previous research is that traditional social-cognitive tasks place a demand on domain-general cognition and language abilities. These tasks are not suitable for people with ID and lack the sensitivity to detect subtle social-cognitive processes. In autism research, eye-tracking technology has offered an effective method of evaluating social cognition—indicating associations between visual social attention and autism characteristics. The present systematic review synthesised research which has used eye-tracking technology to study social cognition in ID. A meta-analysis was used to explore whether visual attention on socially salient regions (SSRs) of stimuli during these tasks correlated with degree of autism characteristics presented on clinical assessment tools.MethodSearches were conducted using four databases, research mailing lists, and citation tracking. Following in-depth screening and exclusion of studies with low methodological quality, 49 articles were included in the review. A correlational meta-analysis was run on Pearson’s r values obtained from twelve studies, reporting the relationship between visual attention on SSRs and autism characteristics.Results and conclusionsEye-tracking technology was used to measure different social-cognitive abilities across a range of syndromic and non-syndromic ID groups. Restricted scan paths and eye-region avoidance appeared to impact people’s ability to make explicit inferences about mental states and social cues. Readiness to attend to social stimuli also varied depending on social content and degree of familiarity. A meta-analysis using a random effects model revealed a significant negative correlation (r = −.28, [95% CI −.47, −.08]) between visual attention on SSRs and autism characteristics across ID groups. Together, these findings highlight how eye-tracking can be used as an accessible tool to measure more subtle social-cognitive processes, which appear to reflect variability in observable behaviour. Further research is needed to be able to explore additional covariates (e.g. ID severity, ADHD, anxiety) which may be related to visual attention on SSRs, to different degrees within syndromic and non-syndromic ID groups, in order to determine the specificity of the association with autism characteristics.

Cardiometabolic Effects of Antipsychotics in Challenging Behavior and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Patients With Intellectual Disability.

Introduction Despite the well-established association between antipsychotics and metabolic adverse effects in psychiatric disorders, the variable influence of long-term and off-label antipsychotic medication on behavioral disorders has not been investigated in detail. Objective To clarify the impact of antipsychotic use on challenging behavior (CB) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), we evaluated the clinical findings and cardiometabolic effects in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) hospitalized in our residential facility for profoundly disabled patients. Patients and methods A total of 130 individuals hospitalized in our residential facility were retrospectively investigated and divided into two groups - individuals with and without CB and NPS. Antipsychotics (first- and second-generation antipsychotics) are prescribed to all individuals in the CB and NPS-positive ID group. Conversely, antipsychotics were not prescribed to any individuals in the CB- and NPS-negative ID groups. To investigate the cardiometabolic effects of antipsychotics, the following metabolic parameters were measured: body weight (BW), total calorie intake per day, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride), and corrected QT interval (QTc) of electrocardiogram (ECG). The etiology of disabilities, level of ID, severity of motor disability, and presence or absence of epilepsy were also examined. Results Two main results were derived: (1) Autism spectrum disorder was the most predominant etiology in individuals with CB and NPS who were prescribed antipsychotics, and (2) the mean values of metabolic parameters were all normal in both medicated and nonmedicated individuals, but the total calorie intake was significantly higher in individuals who were prescribed antipsychotics. Conclusions Our investigation demonstrated that in individuals with an adequate energy intake, most metabolic parameters can be maintained within normal limits. We suggest that body weight control is the primary step in avoiding the cardiometabolic adverse effects of antipsychotics in intellectually disabled individuals with CB and NPS.

Prevalence and Medical Costs of Intellectual Disabilities and Pervasive Developmental Disorder in Korea: Based on National Health Insurance Service Claims Data from 2007 to 2019.

We aimed to investigate the annual prevalence of intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism spectrum disorder employing claims data registered in Korean National Health Insurance Service. We also estimated the annual average of medical costs incurred from these disorders using same datasets. In order to obtain the prevalence, we selected patients diagnosed with ID and pervasive and specific developmental disorders (PDD) from 2007 to 2019. The ensuing annual average of medical costs was also estimated from these patients. The annual prevalence of ID and PDD (per 100,000) between 2007 and 2019 ranged from 56.7 to 78.6 and from 22.0 to 44.6 respectively. Regarding the annual average of total medical expenditure per a patient, the expenditure of the ID group was higher than that of PDD throughout the years, as shown that the ID expenditure ranged from 769.7 to 1,501.2 US dollars as opposed to the PDD expenditure in the range of 312.5 to 570.7 US dollars. The further comparison in relation to income levels elaborated that the medical aid beneficiary group constitutes the highest one and the difference of the expenditure across the remaining income groups was not prominent although the very low group generally ranked the highest over the years. The prevalence of ID and PDD constantly increased and the same trend was displayed in ensuing health expenditures throughout the period. This implies that increasing needs exist across these patients with regards to therapeutic interventions, thereby contributing to prioritizing medical policies on national perspectives.

Academic Skills in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: A substantial proportion of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have an intellectual disability (ID). However, the academic achievement levels of students with ASD and ID (ASD-ID) are poorly documented and known. Method: We systematically reviewed studies on school skills (reading, spelling, and math) in children and adolescents with ASD-ID. The search was conducted in seven bibliographic databases: Embase, Pubmed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Ebscohost, Proquest, and Scopus until 28 May 2022. Results: We identified 33,750 reports, four of which met the inclusion criteria for the review. The studies, characterized by Level III evidence (non-randomized controlled trials), included 535 students, 266 in the ASD-ID group and 269 in the ASD-no ID group. A random-effects model meta-analysis revealed that students with ASD-ID had significantly lower reading, spelling, and math scores than students with ASD-no ID. The effect sizes associated with reading score differences were large, although with significant heterogeneity; similarly, the effect sizes associated with spelling and math score differences were also large, although to a lesser extent than for reading. Conclusions: The co-presence of ASD and ID is associated with significant deficits in reading, spelling, and math. However, the present meta-analytic results rest on a limited number of studies. This contrasts with the substantial proportion of children with ASD who have ID and highlights the need for further research to fill a significant gap regarding the profile of academic abilities of students with ASD-ID.

Next-Generation Sequencing in Unexplained Intellectual Disability.

To determine the diagnostic yield of next generation sequencing (NGS) in patients with moderate/severe/profound intellectual disability (ID) unexplained by conventional tests and to assess the impact of definitive diagnosis on the clinical management and genetic counselling of these families. This was a ambi-directional study conducted at Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. The study comprised 227 patients (prospective cohort - 126, retrospective cohort - 101) in whom NGS based tests were performed. The mean age of study cohort was 4.5 ± 4.4 y (2.5 mo to 37.3 y). The male: female ratio was 1.6:1. The overall diagnostic yield of NGS was 53.3% (121/227) with causative variants identified in 84 known ID genes. Autosomal recessive intellectual disability (ARID) (23.3%, 53/227) was the most common followed by autosomal dominant intellectual disability (ADID) (20.7%, 47/227) and X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) (9.2%, 21/227). The diagnostic yield was notably higher for ID plus associated condition group (55.6% vs. 20%) (p = 0.0075, Fisher's exact test) compared to isolated ID group. The impact of diagnosis on active or long-term management was observed in 17/121 (14%) and on reproductive outcomes in 26/121 (21.4%) families. There is paucity of data on molecular genetic spectrum of ID from India. The current study identifies extensive genetic heterogeneity and the impact of NGS in patients with ID unexplained by standard genetic tests. The study identified ARID as the most common cause of ID with additional implications for reproductive outcomes. It reiterates the importance of phenotype in genetic testing.

Prevalence of dental caries among learners with disabilities attending special education schools in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal

IntroductionIndividuals with special healthcare needs may have poororal health as a result of systemic and structural issues that make it more difficult to maintain optimal oral healthstatus. As such, these individuals may require specialised, multidisciplinary oral healthcare. Furthermore, determiningthe severity of oral conditions among these people isnecessary to establish the number of people affected and the services required to improve oral healthcare for these affected populations. Aims and objectivesTo determine the prevalence of dental caries among learnerswith disabilities attending special schools education in theeThekwini district, using DMFT/dmft and PUFA/pufa indices.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive study design.MethodsA proportional stratified random sampling method was usedto select learners from 22 special schools in the eThekwinidistrict (n=435). The sample was divided into subgroups known as strata (schools) and a systematic sampling technique was used in each school. The learners were further categorised according to the classification of Special Health Care according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Data collection comprised an intraoral examination to determine the prevalence of dental caries (using the DMFT/dmft index) and the extent of untreated dental caries using the PUFA/pufa index. ResultsOut of the 488 students in the special schools approached, 435 consented to participate in the study giving a response ate of 89.14%. The prevalence of dental caries in the permanent and primary dentition was 53.6% and 22.5% respectively. The overall D (decayed) component recorded in permanent teeth was 740 (88%), the F (filled) component was 30 (4%) and M (missing) component was 77 (9%). Females had higher mean DMFT and PUFA scores while males had higher dmft and pufa scores. The DMFT and dmft scores recorded were highest in the 18-20 years age group at 3.70 ± 3.83 and the 6-8 years age group at 4.31 ± 4.00 respectively. The relationship between the DMFT and dmft scores and participants’ age was seen as statistically significant, as these increased with age (p &lt;0.001). The highest caries prevalence was found in the intellectual disability group (46.4%; n=393). The “untreated caries to PUFA ratio” was 2.5 to 1, indicating that 26% of the D + d component (in DMFT/dmft) had progressed mainly to pulpal involvement. The PUFA/pufa scores were higher in the 12- 14 years age group at 0.46 ± 1.33 and 6-8 years age group at 2.06 ± 3.45 respectively when compared to the other age groups in the study sample.ConclusionThe high number of dental caries recorded in the permanent and primary dentition and the low number of restored teeth in the study sample highlight the need for promotive, preventive and restorative oral healthcare programmes within this population.

Time Course Effects of Different Intensities of Running Exercise on Cognitive and Motor Performances in Individuals With Intellectual Disability.

This study explored the acute effects of different running intensities on cognitive and motor performances in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). An ID group (age, M = 15.25years, SD = 2.76) and a control group without ID (age, M = 15.11years, SD = 1.54) performed visual simple and choice reaction times, auditory simple reaction time, and finger tapping tests before and after running at low or moderate intensity (30% and 60% of heart rate reserve [HRR], respectively). Visual simple reaction time values decreased (p < .001) after both intensities at all time points with higher (p = .007) extend after the 60% HRR intensity for both groups. After both intensities, the VCRT decreased (p < .001) in the ID group at all time points compared with preexercise (Pre-EX) while, in the control group, these values decreased (p < .001) only immediately (IM-EX) and after 10min (Post-10) of exercise cessation. Compared withs Pre-EX, in the ID group, the auditory simple reaction time values decreased (p < .001) at all time points after the 30% HHR intensity whereas, after the 60% HRR, these values decreased only at IM-EX (p < .001), Post-10 (p = .001) and Post-20 (p < .001). In the control group, auditory simple reaction time values decreased (p = .002) only after the 30% HRR intensity at IM-EX. The finger tapping test increased at IM-EX (p < .001) and at Post-20 (p = .001) compared to Pre-EX in both groups only after the 30% HHR intensity and for the dominant hand. The effect of physical exercise on cognitive performances in individuals with ID seems to depend on the cognitive test type as well as the exercise intensity.

Mineral elements and adiposity-related consequences in adolescents with intellectual disabilities

BackgroundPatients with intellectual disabilities are shown to have a limited capacity for cooperation, communication,and other biological consequences, which significantly require a specialized interest in healthcare professionals worldwide.AimIn this respect, the present study was designed to evaluate the levels mineral elements, and their correlation with oxidative stress markers and adiposity markers; leptin (L), adiponectin (A), and L/A ratio in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.MethodsA total of 350 schoolchildren aged (12–18 years) were randomly invited to participate in this prospective, observational study. Only 300 participants agreed to participate in this study. According to Intelligence quotients scores (IQ) measured by WISC-III, the participants were classified into two groups; the healthy control group (no = 180; IQ = 90–114); and the moderate intellectual disability (MID) group (no = 120; IQ = 35–49). Adiposity markers; body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), physical activity scores, adipokines biomarkers; leptin, adiponectin, L/A ratio, oxidative stress, and plasma mineral elements were evaluated by prevalidated questionnaires, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), colorimetric, and immunoassay techniques.ResultsIntellectual disability of moderate type was reported in 40% of the studied populations most of them are men aged 12–18 years (66.6% for men vs. 33.3 for females). Obesity was shown to be associated with the degree of intellectual disability of the students. There was a significant (P = 0.001) increase in the BMI, WHR, and WHtR scores as obesity markers with poor physical activity (P = 0.01) in students with poor disability compared to healthy controls (HC). The levels of leptin (P = 0.001), adiponectin (P = 0.01), and L/A ratio (P = 0.01) as adiposity biomarkers were significantly increased in students with MID compared to healthy controls. Also, oxidative stress measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P = 0.01) were significantly increased in students with MID compared to healthy control subjects. In addition, mineral elements were shown to be linked with intellectual disability. The data showed that the levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, Hg, Pb, Ca, Cr, Mg, and Ni significantly (P = 0.001) increased, and the levels of Al, Na, K, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio significantly (P = 0.001) decreased in subjects with MID compared to healthy controls. Correlation analysis concluded that changes in mineral elements significantly correlated with adiposity markers, oxidative stress, and the scores of intellectual disability (WISC III-IQ score).ConclusionThe intellectual disability of moderate type (MID) was associated with abnormal changes in the levels of essential mineral elements and adipokines and increased levels of cellular oxidative stress. Thus, evaluating plasma mineral elements and adipokines levels could be a potential diagnostic parameter for diagnosing MID.

Organized physical activity and sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability.

There is little data on physical activity (PA), organized PA (OPA), and sedentary behaviors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders in developing countries. To examine OPA, non-OPA, and sedentary behaviors and their associated factors in children and adolescents with ASD, cerebral palsy (CP), and intellectual disability (ID). A total of 1020 children and adolescents with ASD, CP, and ID were assessed regarding the child and family information as well as the Children's Leisure Activities Study Survey. The results showed that the OPA level was significantly lower than non-OPA in all groups. Furthermore, the OPA level was significantly lower in the CP group compared to ASD and ID groups (P < 0.001). Also, moderate (P < 0.001), vigorous (P < 0.05), and total (P < 0.001) physical activity levels were significantly different between all three groups, with the values being higher in the ASD group compared to the other two. The mean of the total sedentary behavior duration in the ASD group (1819.4 min/week, SD: 1680) was significantly lower than in the CP group (2687 min/week, SD: 2673) (P = 0.007) but not ID group (2176 min/week, SD: 2168.9) (P = 0.525). Our findings remark on the participation rate of PA, OPA, and sedentary behaviors of children and adolescents with ASD, CP, and ID in a developing country. In contrast, the need for developing standards of PA/OPA participation in neurodevelopmental disorders is discussed.

Nerve Growth Factor and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Levels in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Objective Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood, and there are many factors in their etiology. In recent years, many biomarkers have been studied to elucidate the etiology of these disorders. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID). Methods The study included 74 children with NDDs (the number of patients in ADHD, ASD and ID groups were 24, 25 and 25 respectively) and 30 healthy controls (HCs). Serum NGF and ACE2 levels were studied with ELISA kits, also complete blood count (CBC), levels of fasting glucose and serum lipids were assessed. Results ACE2 levels were found to be lower in NDD group than HCs in girls. In boys with ASD, triglyceride levels were significantly higher than other groups. Also a positive correlation was found between ACE2 and NGF levels when all sample assessed together. Conclusions This study is a premise for investigating ACE2 and NGF in NDDs. The role of these markers in ADHD, ASD, ID and other NDDs and their associations with gender should be assessed by studies in which both larger sample groups and more disorders.

A comparative analysis of the prevalence and predictors of chronic pain in older adults with and without intellectual disability in Australia

ABSTRACT Background There is little research comparatively assessing prevalence of pain between older people either with or without intellectual disability. This paper explores health and social factors associated with chronic pain in these two groups. Method A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. Inclusion criteria were adults either with or without intellectual disability, aged 60 years and older, and currently living in community-settings. Univariate and multivariable analyses were undertaken on a sample of 391 adults with intellectual disability and 920 adults without intellectual disability. Results Key findings included higher prevalence of pain in the intellectual disability group, along with higher rates of osteoarthritis, falls, oral health problems, and mood disorders. Conclusions Mitigating risk factors for conditions that cause chronic pain in older adults is crucial. As longevity increases, the healthcare sector needs to prioritise chronic pain management for people with intellectual disabilities through appropriate treatment strategies.

Serum Biomarkers to Mild Cognitive Deficits in Children and Adolescents.

Intellectual disability (ID) is a condition characterized by significant limitations in both cognitive development and adaptive behavior. The diagnosis is made through clinical assessment, standardized tests, and intelligence quotient (IQ). Genetic, inflammation, oxidative stress, and diet have been suggested to contribute to ID, and biomarkers could potentially aid in diagnosis and treatment. Study included children and adolescents aged 6-16years. The ID group (n = 16) and the control group (n = 18) underwent the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) test, and blood samples were collected. Correlations between biomarker levels and WISC-IV test scores were analyzed. The ID group had an IQ score below 75, and the values of four domains (IQ, IOP, IMO, and IVP) were lower compared to the control group. Serum levels of FKN, NGF-β, and vitamin B12 were decreased in the ID group, while DCFH and nitrite levels were increased. Positive correlations were found between FKN and the QIT and IOP domains, NGF and the QIT and IMO domains, and vitamin B12 and the ICV domain. TNF-α showed a negative correlation with the ICV domain. Our study identified FKN, NGF-β, and vitamin B12 as potential biomarkers specific to ID, which could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of ID. TNF-α and oxidative stress biomarkers suggest that ID has a complex etiology, and further research is needed to better understand this condition and develop effective treatments. Future studies could explore the potential implications of these biomarkers and develop targeted interventions based on their findings.

Comparison of dental plaque flora between intellectually disabled patients and healthy individuals: a cross-sectional study.

Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis, are highly prevalent in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). In particular, gingivitis can be difficult to cure owing to the lack of patient cooperation. Here, we evaluated differences in the oral bacterial flora between individuals with ID (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 14) to facilitate the development of strategies for the prevention of periodontal disease in people with ID. Our results showed no significant difference in the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth between the two groups. However, there were significant differences in the median papillary-marginal-attached index, plaque index, and gingival index between groups (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the mean probing depth in the ID group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.0001). The diversity of oral flora in people with ID and concurrent gingivitis was significantly lower than that of healthy individuals without periodontal disease. The relative abundances of Tannerella spp. and Treponema spp. were significantly higher in the ID group than in the control group at the genus level (P = 0.0383 and 0.0432, respectively), whereas that of Porphyromonas spp. was significantly lower in the ID group (P < 0.0001). Overall, our findings provided important insights into differences in the oral microbiota between patients with ID and healthy controls.

Factors related to parenting styles of Chinese mothers of children with and without intellectual disability.

Parenting styles play a crucial role in children's development. However, approaches to parenting children with intellectual disability (ID) beyond Western cultures have been underexamined. This study compared the self-reported parenting styles of Chinese mothers of children with and without ID and examined some factors that might be related. Chinese mothers of children with ID (n=173) and mothers of typically developing children (n=119) completed measures of their parenting style, parenting stress, parenting sense of competence and family support. Both groups endorsed similar levels of authoritative parenting, but mothers of children with ID were more likely to report adopting strategies aligned with authoritarian parenting. For mothers in the ID group, family support moderated the effects of parenting stress and parenting sense of competence on authoritative parenting. Parenting stress and parenting sense of competence, respectively, predicted authoritarian parenting for mothers of children with and without ID. This study highlights the importance of reducing parenting stress, strengthening parenting sense of competence and providing family support in order to promote optimal parenting styles for Chinese mothers of children with ID.

Assessing the Menstrual Cycle and Related Problems in Adolescents with a Genetic Syndrome Associated with Intellectual Disability

Study ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the experience and quality of life (QoL) related to menstruation in adolescents with a genetic syndrome accompanying intellectual disability (ID). MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 49 adolescents with a genetic syndrome accompanied by ID, which was defined by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, and 50 unaffected controls. In a survey created by the authors, demographic information, menstrual history, and information regarding menstrual difficulties, school abstinence, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual changes were collected. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire was used to evaluate physical impairment, whereas the QoL scale was utilized to evaluate QoL in general and during menstruation. Data were collected from caregivers and additionally from the participants with mild ID, whereas in the control group, data were collected from the participants. ResultsMenstrual history was similar between the 2 groups. Menstruation-related school absenteeism was higher among the ID group (8% vs 40.5%, P < .001). Mothers reported that 73% of their daughters needed help with menstruation care. Social, school, psychosocial functioning, and total QoL scores during menstruation were significantly lower in the ID group when compared with the controls. A significant decrease in physical, emotional, social, psychosocial functioning, and total QoL score occurred during menstruation in the ID group. None of the mothers requested menstrual suppression. ConclusionAlthough menstrual patterns in the 2 groups were similar, QoL decreased significantly while menstruating in the ID group. Despite a decrease in QoL, an increase in school absenteeism, and a high percentage of needing assistance while menstruating, none of the mothers requested menstrual suppression.