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Home / Our research / Determinants of health and inequalities research / Life expectancy and mortality

Life expectancy and mortality

Cancer incidence and mortality in adults with learning disabilities

 

People with learning disabilities have different health profiles compared to other people, which has a bearing on cancer rates and deaths. Current evidence on specific cancer incidence rates and death in this population remains inconsistent and it is necessary to gain a better understanding to inform and improve future healthcare.  Read about this research project here.

Avoidable deaths in children and young people with learning disabilities in Scotland

 

Children and young people with learning disabilities may be at increased risk of premature death compared with adults with learning disabilities, including deaths considered avoidable, but the evidence is limited.  Read about our research and findings here.

Respiratory Mortality


Respiratory disorders are a leading cause of death among people with learning/intellectual disabilities, including preventable and treatable conditions such as pneumonia and aspiration. However, the findings on respiratory-associated mortality are inconsistent. To provide clearer evidence around the rates and causes of these preventable deaths, we conducted a systematic review and analysis of all available data on respiratory deaths in people with learning/intellectual disabilities from the last 35 years. Read the findings from this study here. 

COVID -19


There is currently a major gap in the data available in Scotland on rates of infection, case fatality and excess mortality rates due to COVID-19 for people with learning disabilities. This information is urgently required to inform clinical decision-making and public health policy in Scotland and the UK.

To address this gap, we have conducted a study looking at infection risk and severe outcomes for people with learning disabilities during the first wave of the pandemic. Here you will find a summary of the preliminary findings from this study.

Mortality rates for children and young people with learning disabilities

 

Children and young people with learning disabilities are at a higher risk of premature death compared to the general population. Studies of cause of death for people with learning disabilities show that many deaths are potentially avoidable, including conditions which are amenable to timely and effective healthcare.  Find out more about this large-scale cohort study here.

Causes and rates of death in adults with learning disabilities

 

Previous studies have shown that adults with intellectual disabilities experience poorer health outcomes and higher rates of premature mortality compared to the general population. We wanted to find out the rates, causes, place and risk factors for mortality in adults with learning disabilities in community settings.  Read about this research and our findings here.

Life expectancy and causes of death of people with Down Syndrome

 

People with Down Syndrome are thought to have a lower life expectancy and different cause of death profile compared to the general population.  We undertook a systematic review to evaluate this evidence and you can read more about this research and our findings here.

Life expectancy and causes of death of people with learning disabilities

 

Although the life expectancy of people with learning disabilities has increased in recent years, it is still considered to remain lower than that of the general population.  We undertook a systematic review of the evidence and you can read more about this research and our findings here.