What is it about?
Older people with Intellectual Disability frequently experience conditions such as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD). However, despite this, information about treatment, in particular the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), in this population is sparse and limited compared to what is known in older people without intellectual disability.
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Why is it important?
Both the GORD and other circumstances in which PPIs might be used were common but many people received the drugs without any reason being recorded. The use of PPIs was often long term and in other studies, long term use has been associated with significant risks. The use of PPIs especially among those with severe/profound ID and those who live in residential care homes, could predispose these individuals to additional conditions and in order to avoid inappropriate long term of use regular review of their medications and conditions is required.
Perspectives
This is a neglected aspect of the treatment of people with intellectual disabilities. It is important that both the potential benefits and risks of the treatment of these conditions and of the use of these drugs is more widely and more comprehensively evaluated. Pharmacists, as part of a multidisciplinary team should be employed to help care for these people and to help advise and support those who care for them.
Dr martin c henman
University of Dublin Trinity College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The use of proton pump inhibitors among older adults with intellectual disability: A cross sectional observational study, Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, May 2018, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2018.05.009.
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