Common Health Conditions | Easy Health

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Coronary Heart Disease Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death among people with learning disabilities.

Diabetes People with a learning disability are more likely to have diabetes than the general population.

Dementia People with a learning disability are more at risk of developing dementia – particularly people with Down’s syndrome.

Dental Problems People with learning disabilities have poorer oral health and more problems accessing dental services than other people.

Epilepsy About 1 in 3 people who have a mild to moderate learning disability also have epilepsy. This is more than in the general population.

Gastrointestinal Cancers Research shows people with learning disabilities have a higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer. This means cancer in your stomach or food pipe.

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disorder (GORD) 50% of people with severe and 70% with profound learning disabilities or cerebral palsy have GORD.

Mental Health Problems People with a learning disability can be more likely to experience poor mental health, and mental health conditions are not always recognised.

Obesity People with learning disabilities are more likely to be overweight or obese, which increases the risk of health problems.

Sight and Hearing Loss (Sensory Impairments) People with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have sight problems, and between 4 and 8 times more likely to have hearing loss.

Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia) Dysphagia is when you have problems swallowing, or can’t swallow at all.

Lung and Breathing Problems (COPD) People with learning disabilities are more likely to have COPD than the general population.

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Easy Health is managed by Generate. Generate is registered in England and Wales under charity number 1069548 at 73 Summerstown, London SW17 0BQ. Most images used on the site are from Photosymbols. Easy Health is a library of accessible information. We share the work of different organisations, but are not responsible for content. Always check information with a qualified health practitioner.

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