PhD Research Projects

Two PhD research projects have developed in conjunction with the LifeSpan project. 

One PhD research project focuses on the ageing process and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in older people with ID.  Although it is well recognised that people with Down Syndrome are more likely to experience precocious ageing, dementia, and depression than those without Down Syndrome, little is known about the ageing process and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in people with ID arising from causes other than Down Syndrome. Therefore, the objective of this PhD research project is to address this gap in knowledge and assist carers by providing broad based information about the prevalence and nature of psychiatric disorders in older people with ID.

In addition to providing normative data for the DBC-A for this population, other assessment processes and instruments including the Adaptive Behaviour Dementia Questionnaire (V. Prasher et al., 2004) and the Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DSQIID) (Deb et al., 2007) will be studied.   These will be used to consider the usefulness of the DBC-A in screening for dementia in older people with ID and to determine their usefulness in overcoming diagnostic overshadowing in this group.

At the completion of this research, clinicians and carers will have additional information and resources on which to base their support, which will ultimately lead to both increased longevity and improved quality of life for older people with ID.

The second PhD project is investigating the prevalence and characteristics of behavioural and emotional problems in Aboriginal people with ID. The student undertaking this project works closely with local communities of Aboriginal people to develop with them an approach to researching in this area that is collaborative, inclusive and sensitive to the needs of people who live in remote as well as urban communities.