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Effectiveness of home-based early intervention on the language development of children of mothers with mental retardation.

The authors evaluated the effects of a home-based parent training program for mothers with mental retardation on the language development of their children who were at risk for language delay. The participants, 28 mothers labelled mentally retarded with children under 28 months of age, initially showed significantly fewer positive mother-child interactions and child vocalizations and verbalizations than did a comparison group of 38 families with children of similar age whose mothers were not mentally retarded. The 28 mothers with low IQ were then matched on child entry age and randomly assigned to either an interaction training or attention-control group (this group received training in safety and emergency skills unrelated to interactions). Interaction training consisted of verbal instruction, modelling, feedback, and tangible reinforcement. After training, the training group scores were no longer lower than those of the comparison group of mothers without mental retardation and were also significantly higher than the scores of the attention-control group on all maternal positive interactions, child vocalizations, verbalizations, and language and social domains of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Speech emerged significantly sooner in the training group as compared to the control group. The training group parents and children maintained improvements up to 82 weeks following training, and the attention-control group, when subsequently trained, replicated the original training group results. Thus, home-based parent training increased positive maternal interactions of mothers with mental retardation, which facilitated language development in their young children.

Child Abuse↗

The prevalence of mild mental retardation in the adult years.

Most mildly retarded children do not receive mental retardation services after leaving school. Those who do, however, represent a sizable proportion of adults receiving services. Nevertheless, their needs may be overlooked, since most adult programmes are designed to serve more severely retarded individuals. In this paper prevalence rates for mild mental retardation in the early adult years are given for one community, and the ways in which rates vary using different definitional criteria are demonstrated. Problems related to estimating the adult service needs of mildly retarded individuals are examined in relation to suggestions offered by Baroff (1982).

Adolescent↗

The effectiveness of adapted web pages on the learning performance of students with severe mental retardation.

Learning to use computers and/or using computers to learn has become a part of everyday life for most students. Unfortunately, students with mental retardation in Taiwan, especially those with moderate or severe mental retardation, are often not considered capable of utilizing computers and online learning. It is common for students with moderate or severe mental retardation to have poor vocabulary, or even be illiterate. Web pages mostly displayed in text form have therefore become the major obstacle for students with mental retardation when they try to learn online. This research focused on students with severe mental retardation by integrating picture communication symbols, voices and animation into a teaching home page, and then examined its effectiveness on learning.

Adolescent↗

Cognitive research in mental retardation.

Virtually all investigators currently conducting cognitive research in mental retardation address directly or indirectly the question of cognitive modifiability. Within that context we have dichotomized the research for discussion purposes into two classes. The first class includes research aimed at the development of an empirically based cognitive model of mental retardation. Investigators who do this work believe that strategies for cognitive modifiability will follow directly from a thorough understanding of the structures and processes that comprise the cognitive system. The second class of cognitive research in mental retardation is composed of studies on intervention. This research is focused on identification of cognitive deficiencies and subsequent attempts to alleviate these deficiencies. In this paper we have briefly provided examples of research from both classes chosen from ongoing research at the John F. Kennedy Center for Research on Education and Human Development.

Attention↗

Toward a positive psychology of mental retardation.

Researchers and practitioners alike have long focused on the external life conditions, adaptive behavior, and inclusion of persons with mental retardation. Using breakthroughs in positive psychology, this article proposes a new research agenda focused on the positive, internal states of those with mental retardation. It shows how major movements in the mental retardation field--quality of life, dual diagnosis, personality motivation, and families--have succeeded in some arenas but failed to address happiness and well-being. Examples of happiness--of positive emotions, flow, strengths, and virtues--are offered in people with genetic causes of mental retardation. Complexities related to etiology, measurement, flow, and a meaningful life are described, as is the vital role that mental retardation can play in the emerging science of positive psychology.

Affect↗

History of the roles of nurses caring for persons with mental retardation.

A historic examination of the major responsibilities of nurses in providing care to individuals with mental retardation indicates that the responsibilities have remained relatively constant, whereas the roles have shifted and expanded over time from nursing assistant activities to advanced practice roles. Regardless of the setting, nurses have been involved in primary and secondary prevention, case finding, health care management of the individual with mental retardation and their family across the life span, instruction about this care to other nurses, and referral. This specialty nursing practice has a long history. In recent years, the role of nurses in interdisciplinary care has waned with the continual trend of institutional closings and movement of the clients to small community group homes. As individuals with mental retardation achieve greater participation in their communities, the roles and responsibilities of nurses who specialize in the care of persons with mental retardation will also change, but much effort is needed today to enforce nursing's contribution in this field to the other disciplines involved in the care of these individuals and to society. The recent Surgeon General's report [57], Closing the Gap: A National Blueprint for Improving the Health of Individuals with Mental Retardation (2001), could serve as such a springboard for renewal of nursing action in this field.

History, 19th Century↗

Multicentric study on genetic causes of mental retardation in India. ICMR Collaborating Centres & Central Co-ordinating Unit.

A study on 1314 children with mental retardation (MR) without an obvious environmental cause was carried out at Bangalore, Bombay, Delhi and Lucknow to determine the extent and pattern of genetic causes of mental retardation in different parts of India. In all, 42.3 per cent patients had mild, 25.3 per cent moderate, 19.2 per cent severe and 13.1 per cent profound mental retardation. Among 1314 patients, the chromosomal anomalies were found in 23.7 per cent, metabolic defects in 5.0 per cent and an identificable genetic syndrome in 11.6 per cent of the patients. In the remaining 59.7 per cent patients, no known genetic cause could be identified. However, 66.5 per cent of these patients had one or more of the following conditions: (i) congenital malformation with or without neurological deficit, (ii) history of consanguinity, (iii) positive family history of mental retardation or (iv) a positive screening test but without a confirmed diagnosis of metabolic defect (suggesting that there may be additional unidentified genetic causes of mental retardation).

Adolescent↗

A novel 2.3 Mb microduplication of 12q24.21q24.23 detected by genome-wide tiling-path resolution array comparative genomic hybridization in a girl with syndromic mental retardation.

We report on a female patient with severe mental retardation, dysmorphic features, deafness, spasticity, and behavioural problems in whom a 2.3 Mb duplication of 12q24.21q24.23 was detected by genome-wide tiling-path resolution array-based comparative genomic hybridization. Mental retardation, microcephaly, short stature, recurrent infections, hypotonia and facial features, such as hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, and a broad nasal bridge, were also described in patients with larger duplications overlapping the 12q24.21q24.23 region. The duplicated region contains 16 genes, of which several genes, such as thyroid hormone receptor associated protein 2, replication factor C5 and nitric oxide synthase 1, are expressed in the brain and/or are involved in embryogenesis. The current case shows that microduplications might be a more frequent cause of mental retardation and human malformation than previously appreciated.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

The frequency of Toxocara infection in mental retarded children.

Human toxocariasis is commonly seen in places where stray and Toxocara canis-infected dog population is high. There is a strong correlation between frequency of Toxocara infection, life style, and infection risk. Institutionalization of mental retarded patients increases to risk of toxocariasis. In this study, we aimed at investigating the frequency of Toxocara infection among children with mental retardation not requiring institutionalization. The study included 96 cases, who had educatable mental retardation and 85 healthy subjects who comprised the control group. Anti-Toxocara IgG or IgM antibodies were investigated in all serum samples, using ELISA method. The frequency of Toxocara infection was found significantly higher in mental retarded cases than in those in the control group (18.8% and 7.1% respectively) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between mental retarded children and the control group in terms of mean age, age groups, gender, owning dogs and cats and duration of their ownership, socio-economic level and behavioural factors, and personal hygiene (p > 0.05). We did not find any significant difference between Toxocara seropositive and seronegative mental retarded children in terms of demographic factors and epidemiological factors that could increase the risk of Toxocara infection (p > 0.05). The present study is the first seroprevalence study carried out with a mental retarded group not requiring institutionalization. Determination of high frequency of Toxocara infection suggests that these subjects constitute a risk factor for Toxocara infection, which may be attributed to their behavioural patterns.

Adolescent↗

Problem solving and strategy production in mentally retarded persons.

Three decades of research purportedly show that mentally retarded persons neither spontaneously produce nor generalize problem-solving strategies. These observations are often attributed to deficiencies in superordinate skills and knowledge that control or influence the use of problem-solving strategies. This review shows that mentally retarded persons are often strategic when comprehension of the task requirements is ensured, and that generalization can be obtained when instructional experience with multiple task exemplars is given. Superordinate, representational, and nonvolitional factors are implicated in the production and generalization of strategies by mentally retarded persons.

Concept Formation↗

Screening for FMR1 and FMR2 mutations in 222 individuals from Spanish special schools: identification of a case of FRAXE-associated mental retardation.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of familial mental retardation. It results from a (CGG)n trinucleotide expansion in the FMR1 gene leading to the typical Martin-Bell phenotype. Clinical features vary depending on age and sex. Expansion of a (CCG)n repeat in the FMR2 gene corresponds to the FRAXE fragile site which lies distal to FRAXA and is also associated with mental retardation, but it is less frequent and lacks a consistent phenotype. Analysis of repeat expansions in these two genes allows the molecular diagnosis of these different entities. We report here the screening of the FRAXA and FRAXE mutations in 222 unrelated mentally retarded individuals attending Spanish special schools. PCR and/or Southern blotting methods were used. We detected full mutations in the FMR1 gene in 11 boys (4.9%) and 1 boy (0.5%) with a CCG repeat expansion in the FMR2 gene. The latter shows mild mental retardation with psychotic behaviour and no remarkable physical traits. Molecular studies revealed a mosaicism for methylation in the FMR2 gene. This case supports the observation that expansions greater than 100 repeats can be partially methylated and cause the phenotype.

Adolescent↗

Prevalence of malocclusion in mentally retarded young adults.

Occlusal anomalies were recorded in 218 mentally retarded young adults, aged 13-19 yr. Down's syndrome was diagnosed in 37 cases. Among the Down's syndrome individuals 41% had mandibular overjet, 54% mesial molar occlusion, 38% frontal open bite and 65% crossbite. Also, the mentally retarded subjects without Down's syndrome had markedly increased frequencies of some of the anomalies when compared to normal individuals. Thus, 27% had extreme maxillary overjet, 6% mandibular overjet, 17% mesial molar occlusion, 23% frontal open bite and 29% crossbite. Orthodontic dental service for the mentally retarded has been neglected for a long time. Though many factors may contraindicate treatment, it should in many cases be possible to improve the dental situation for this group, thereby helping these patients to a better oral function.

Adolescent↗

Fragile X syndrome among children with mental retardation.

Prospective screening for fragile X syndrome was carried out among 1,111 patients with mental retardation who attended the Genetic clinic. Using defined clinical criteria, 55 patients were selected for cytogenetic studies to detect folate sensitive fragile sites. Twenty patients were diagnosed to have the fragile X syndrome. The prevalence of fragile X (A) syndrome was 18 per 1,000 patients of both sexes with mental retardation, 2.8% among male patients with mental retardation, and 5.8% among subjects with nonspecific mental retardation.

Adolescent↗

Animal models of mental retardation: from gene to cognitive function.

About 2-3% of all children are affected by mental retardation, and genetic conditions rank among the leading causes of mental retardation. Alterations in the information encoded by genes that regulate critical steps of brain development can disrupt the normal course of development, and have profound consequences on mental processes. Genetically modified mouse models have helped to elucidate the contribution of specific gene alterations and gene-environment interactions to the phenotype of several forms of mental retardation. Mouse models of several neurodevelopmental pathologies, such as Down and Rett syndromes and X-linked forms of mental retardation, have been developed. Because behavior is the ultimate output of brain, behavioral phenotyping of these models provides functional information that may not be detectable using molecular, cellular or histological evaluations. In particular, the study of ontogeny of behavior is recommended in mouse models of disorders having a developmental onset. Identifying the role of specific genes in neuropathologies provides a framework in which to understand key stages of human brain development, and provides a target for potential therapeutic intervention.

Animals↗

Rapid cycling affective disorders in the mentally retarded.

This article describes a group of 10 hospitalized, mentally retarded patients with rapid cycling affective disorders, including details of demography, pattern of illness, and response to an open trial of treatment with lithium and/or carbamazepine. Family histories of these patients revealed high rates of mental illness, including affective disorder and mental retardation. Men had an earlier onset of affective illness and rapid cycling than did women. Half of the patients showed partial or complete improvement on lithium alone or in combination with carbamazepine; those who responded to the combined treatment had more episodes of affective illness per year than those who did not. Rates of response to treatment and some clinical characteristics of these patients were similar to those of non-mentally retarded rapid cycling patients.

Adult↗

ECT and mental retardation: a review and case reports.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with mental retardation has received limited study and is a subject of controversy. Specific difficulties in using ECT for this patient population include diagnostic dilemmas, difficulties with measuring outcome and monitoring side effects, and problems with professional attitudes. We report our experience with two cases in which ECT was applied to treat severe psychotic and catatonic symptoms. In case 1, a 22-year-old male patient with a history of moderate mental retardation, bipolar disorder, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome was admitted to manage his disruptive behavior and psychotic symptoms. The patient responded well to six bilateral ECTs with diminution of his psychotic symptoms and behavioral disturbances. In Case 2, a 39-year-old female patient with a history of mental retardation, schizoaffective disorder, and catatonic symptoms successfully responded to 11 bilateral ECTs. We conclude that ECT can be used safely and effectively in patients with mental retardation and severe or refractory psychotic symptoms.

Adult↗

Screening of congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, galactosemia, homocystinuria, and maple syrup urine disease in moderate to severe mentally retarded Chinese children.

Five-hundred and fifty one mentally retarded children from seven institutes in Northern Taiwan were screened by dried blood spot for the detection of treatable congenital metabolic diseases, including congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease and galactosemia. We found 2 children (0.36%) with congenital hypothyroidism, 1 case (0.18%) of classical phenylketonuria and two cases (0.36%) of trisomy 21 associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. The results of our investigation suggest that congenital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria can be the factors causing mental retardation among children in Taiwan and mass neonatal screening of these treatable inborn metabolic diseases is strongly indicated for efficiently circumventing mental retardation in our community.

Adolescent↗

Screening for the fragile X syndrome among the mentally retarded: a clinical study. The Collaborative Fragile X Study Group.

The fragile X syndrome is characterised by mental retardation with other features such as a long face with large, protruding ears, macro-orchidism, and eye gaze avoidance. This X linked disorder is caused by an expanded CGG repeat in the first exon of the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene which is associated with shut down of transcription and absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Molecular testing is used for detection of patients and carriers of the fragile X syndrome. In a screening programme for the fragile X syndrome in the south west of The Netherlands, 896 males and 685 females with an unknown cause for their mental retardation were scored on seven fragile X features. All were tested by DNA analysis and 11 new cases were diagnosed. The seven item checklist allowed exclusion from further testing in 86% of the retarded males (95% CI 0.83-0.88) without missing either any of the newly diagnosed cases or, in retrospect, any of the 50 previously diagnosed cases known to our department. These results showed that clinical preselection for DNA testing in mentally retarded males is feasible using a simple scoring list, which will increase the efficiency of further testing eightfold.

Adolescent↗