Preparing to care: Training for carers of people with dementia and a learning disability

The Alzheimer’s Society (2023) advises that people with learning disabilities, particularly those with Down's syndrome, are at increased risk of developing dementia. If a person with a learning disability develops dementia, they will face different and additional challenges to people who do not have a learning disability. Many people, including family carers, are not aware of this risk and, in addition to the challenges of caring for an adult with a learning disability, are unprepared for the further complications that a diagnosis of dementia may bring. This article considers the needs of family carers and in particular, the development of a training package to provide support.