Adults with learning difficulties die 20 years early, report finds

"The annual mortality review commissioned by NHS England was originally meant to be published last year but faced repeated delays. It found 39% of deaths of people with learning disabilities and autism were classed as avoidable in 2023, almost twice as high as the general population. NHS England said it was rolling out more training for staff and identifying patients with learning disabilities earlier so they can be given more "appropriate care"."

"The latest research, led by a team at King's College London, looked at data from the deaths of 3,556 adults in 2023 and compared it to previous years. It found that while there had been some improvements, with life expectancy increasing slightly to 62.5 years old, those with learning disabilities and autism were still experiencing significant inequalities. "These stark new figures show people with a learning disability are dying a shocking 19.5 years younger than the general population," said Mencap's chief executive Jon Sparkes."

People with learning disabilities and autism in England have a median life expectancy of about 62.5 years, dying on average 19.5 years younger than the general population. The 2023 review analysed 3,556 adult deaths and found 39% were classed as avoidable, nearly double the rate in the wider population. Leading avoidable causes included influenza, pneumonia, digestive tract cancers and heart disease. The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) began in 2015 to investigate these disparities. NHS England plans increased staff training and earlier identification of patients with learning disabilities to enable more appropriate care. Approximately 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.

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