Study Shows Group Is at Higher Risk of Bodily Injuries, Heart Failure, Cystitis, Glucose Dysregulation, Iron Deficiency, Poisoning, and Self-Harm
The health outcomes of older adults with autism (≥45 years) have been sparsely studied over the years, leading to a lack of knowledge about the impact of intellectual disability and gender on the overall health patterns of this vulnerable population. However, recent research conducted in Sweden sought to fill this gap in knowledge. A research team conducted a longitudinal, retrospective, population-based cohort study of the Swedish population born between Jan 1, 1932, and Dec 31, 1967, to investigate the association between autism and physical health conditions in older adults. Using linked data from the nationwide Total Population Register and the National Patient Register, the authors investigated the association between autism and various physical health conditions in older adults, considering intellectual disability and gender. They discovered that older adults with autism had higher cumulative incidence and hazard ratios of physical conditions and injuries than their non-autistic counterparts. Specifically, they were at an increased risk of bodily injuries, heart failure, cystitis, glucose dysregulation or dysglycemia, iron deficiency or anemia, poisoning, and self-harm. These risks were observed regardless of intellectual disability or gender. The authors conclude that their findings highlight the importance of collaborative efforts from researchers and health service policymakers to provide older individuals with autism the necessary support to attain healthy longevity and high quality of life.
