Age-related fractures in people with intellectual disability and epilepsy.
Adults with both ID and epilepsy break bones far more often, so screen early and plan fall-prevention.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Doctors looked at broken bones in adults with intellectual disability. They split the group into those who also have epilepsy and those who do not.
The team counted how many fractures each group had. They noted the ages when breaks were most common.
What they found
Adults with ID plus epilepsy had a 26% fracture rate. Adults with ID alone had only 15%.
Women with both conditions faced the highest risk between ages 40 and 49. Men peaked at a different age.
How this fits with other research
Lifshitz et al. (2004) extends these numbers. Their survey shows vision, hearing, and dental problems also jump by age 40 in the same population.
Carmeli et al. (2009) looks deeper. They found higher blood markers of stress and inflammation in adults with ID plus epilepsy. This hints that seizures may trigger body-wide changes that weaken bone.
Sipes et al. (2011) adds another layer. They show anti-seizure drugs often bring clustered side effects. These drug burdens may add to fall risk, tying the studies together.
Why it matters
If you serve adults with ID and epilepsy, add quick bone checks to your routine. Ask about past falls, pain, or tripping. Push for dental and vision screens too, since Hefziba showed these decline early. Share the 26% fracture stat with physicians to prompt bone-density testing, especially for women entering their 40s.
Want CEUs on This Topic?
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ free CEUs — live every Wednesday. Ethics, supervision & clinical topics.
Join Free →Add one question about recent falls or fractures to your intake checklist for every adult with ID and epilepsy.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
The present paper describes age-related fractures in 68 people with intellectual disability and epilepsy (39 females and 29 males). A higher incidence of fractures in epileptic subjects (26%) was noted when they were compared with non-epileptic patients (15%). In the sample of 263 epileptics (121 females and 142 males), a higher number of females (32%) sustained fractures than their male counterparts (20%). The peak period of all fractures is between 40 and 49 years of age. The highest incidence of fractures in females occurred during the periods from 10 to 19 and 40 to 49 years, while the peak was between 30 and 39 years for males. The causes of fractures and preventative measures are discussed, and further avenues for research are indicated.
Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR, 1998 · doi:10.1046/j.1365-2788.1998.00156.x