Division of Developmental Disabilities Services 

 The Learning Curve 

 

“Enhancing the Knowledge of DDDS Professionals” 

 

Supplemental Review Questions 

July 7, 2008 / Volume 2, Issue 1 

Aging with a Developmental Disability 

 

True / False (Circle one): 

 

1. T F The health of persons aging with a developmental disability is also affected by 
Lifestyle choices family genetics and environment. 




 

2. T F Older persons with a developmental disability are not at greater risk for age 
related chronic diseases and health related functional impairments than the 
persons in the general population. 

 

3. T F Older persons with Down syndrome have an increased risk for the early 
development of age-related visual and hearing disorders, seizure disorders and 
Alzheimer’s disease. 

 

4. T F Older persons with Cerebral Palsy have an increased risk of death from bowel 
obstruction and intestinal perforation. 

 

5. T F In the future, some situations will occur where the older person with a 
developmental disability may actually be providing care for the “caregiver.” 

 

Multiple Choice: 

 

6. Compared to the general population, which of the following statements are true: 


 

A. Older persons with Down syndrome are at higher risk for developing Alzheimer 
disease at earlier ages. 
B. Older persons with cerebral palsy may develop secondary conditions related to or 
caused by the lifelong consequences of the physical disability, including chronic 
pain, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. 
C. Older adults with intellectual disabilities/mental retardation have difficulty 
communicating their symptoms. 
D. All of the above 
E. None of the above 


 

 

 

 



 

 

7. How does aging affect persons with seizure disorders? (Circle the correct statement) 


 

A. The frequency of seizures always decreases as the individual ages. 
B. There is no cumulative effect of long term use of seizure medications. 
C. Decreased bone density and increased trauma and falls due to seizures may lead 
to fractures. 
D. All of the above 
E. None of the above 


 

8. Circle the service-deliver model(s) is/are available to assist persons with Developmental 
Disabilities who are aging? 


 

A. Aging in place – adaptation as client needs, abilities and behaviors change. 
B. Referral out, usually to long term care facility or other generic community 
programs. 
C. Dementia-specific environment-specialized staff and setting. 
D. All of the above 
E. None of the above 


 

 

Fill in the Blanks: 

 

 

9. Agencies providing services need to be ____________ sensitive and be able to work with 
local _______________ provider agencies. 


 

 

10. Aging individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome may experience _________________ or 
low-hormonal levels.