Changing trends in life expectancy in intellectual disability over time

Decreased life expectancy (LE) has historically been found among people with intellectual disability (ID) compared to the general population. Several recent studies have looked into ageing and cause of death in ID. Results of many of these studies suggest that, although LE in ID remains lower than the general population, it has increased across many Western societies in recent decades. Increases in LE in the general and ID populations appear to follow similar trends. Some major causes of mortality in ID are similar to the general population, and therefore may be amenable to similar preventative healthcare interventions. In this article, we have outlined possible reasons for improved LE in ID, and potential areas that may require further intervention. However, more detailed studies on mortality in ID may provide more accurate insight into areas requiring intervention in ID populations