Mental and physical health and ageing in mental handicap: a review.

With some exceptions, the mental and physical health problems of elderly mentally handicapped people are similar to those of the elderly population as a whole. Psychiatric disorder is more common due to a higher frequency of behaviour disorders. Increased longevity has been accompanied by a progressive increase in deaths from age-related conditions and in individuals with Down's syndrome exposed a predisposition to premature senility and dementia. Service issues include general health care, preventive measures, provision for those with psychiatric and age-related problems, and staff training.