Dementia and people with intellectual disabilities

This report is a revision to the second edition of the joint British Psychological Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2015) guidance on dementia and people with intellectual disabilities. It has been written by a joint working group of the DCP Intellectual Disabilities Faculties of the British Psychological Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The main purpose of the guidance is to enable those working in clinical and social care services to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities who develop dementia, by providing guidance to inform assessment, diagnosis, interventions and support. 

The guidance is aimed at clinicians in intellectual disabilities and older people's mental health services and services for younger people with dementia. It should inform local decisions, to be taken by commissioners and providers about which services provide which part of the care pathway, ensuring that all elements of this guidance are considered and in place for people with intellectual disabilities and dementia.

Access the executive summary

Access the full guidance