Advancing Inclusive Brain Health and Dementia Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Public Health Framework

Abstract

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face disproportionately high rates of chronic conditions, including an elevated risk for dementia. Yet access to appropriate brain health promotion and dementia care remains limited due to stigma, underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and systemic barriers. This article presents the Healthy Brain Initiative for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (HBI-PwIDD), which aims to: 1) raise awareness of brain health and support health-promoting approaches for people with IDD experiencing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; 2) build interprofessional partnerships to develop an inclusive, competent workforce; and, 3) strengthen engagement of people with IDD and their supporters in accessing quality healthcare and improving outcomes. Applying a disability intersectionality lens, we integrate brain health promotion with dementia-capable services, emphasizing the critical role of disability-inclusive public health planning. We highlight person-centered approaches grounded in legal and human rights principles that provide access to brain health care and community-based supports. Finally, we discuss how tailored public health messaging and evidence-based workforce strategies can advance national and state brain health and dementia plans and improve equity in care for individuals with IDD. This paper illustrates how integrating disability-inclusive practices within public health systems can promote inclusive aging, improve dementia-related outcomes, and guide gerontologists in building inclusive, life course-oriented models of care.