• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Treatment
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Home > Our Blog > COVID-19 Diagnoses and Deaths Are Higher in Intellectually Disabled

COVID-19 Diagnoses and Deaths Are Higher in Intellectually Disabled

Written by <a href="https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/about-us/mary-ellen-ellis/">Mary Ellen Ellis</a>
June 18, 2020 by Mary Ellen Ellis

There are several factors putting certain people and populations at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19, having a severe illness, and even dying. The information coming in from the pandemic includes among these groups people with intellectual disabilities. This information is relevant to children and adults with cerebral palsy. Not all people diagnosed with cerebral palsy have an intellectual disability, but many do.  

Cerebral Palsy and Intellectual Disability

Cerebral palsy is a complicated diagnosis that includes a number of symptoms, disabilities, and associated conditions. Some people are intellectually impaired, while others have average or above average IQs. Studies indicate that around 45 percent of people with cerebral palsy have an intellectual impairment.

An intellectual disability with cerebral palsy is also associated with a higher rate of other, more severe symptoms: epilepsy, quadriplegic motor impairment, later walking, and an inability to walk, as well as more hospitalizations.

COVID-19 and Intellectual Disabilities

Studies of cases in Pennsylvania and New York are showing that people with intellectual disabilities are much more likely to contract and die from COVID-19. In Pennsylvania, disabled people are dying at twice the rate, while in New York the fatalities in this population are 2.5 times higher than in the general population.

Another study looked at medical records for a group of over 30,000 people diagnosed with COVID-19. Of those, nearly 500 had developmental disabilities. The fatality rate for this special population was 4.5 percent, compared to 2.7 percent for the general population. This increased rate held true for people between the ages of 18 and 74. There was no difference in younger or older populations.

Why COVID-19 is Worse for the Disabled

Many physical and medical risk factors for severe or fatal COVID-19 are easy to understand: compromised immune system, heart disease, advanced age, and cancer. However, it’s not quite as clear why someone with an intellectual disability would be at a greater risk.

One reason is that people with these disabilities also have higher rates of medical conditions and physical disabilities as compared to the general population. A preexisting health condition makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19, as it does for anyone without an intellectual disability.

Another issue is that people with these disabilities are more likely than anyone in the general population to live in a group setting. Depending on the severity of cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities, an individual may not be suited for independent living. They may need to live in a group home or assisted living facility. This puts them at a greater risk of contracting a communicable disease from staff and other residents.

Deaths from COVID-19 in nursing homes have gotten more attention, but this is a similar phenomenon. People already more vulnerable to infection are living in groups where germs and disease can spread easily.

The coronavirus outbreak has been devastating to many, especially certain populations. It has, however, shed light on forgotten people, those living in nursing homes and similar facilities. It has brought greater awareness to problems like low staffing, low staff pay, inadequate protective gear, and others. Advocates hope this tragedy will lead to better care in the future.

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. https://www.npr.org/2020/06/09/872401607/covid-19-infections-and-deaths-are-higher-among-those-with-intellectual-disabili
  2. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/06/08/people-with-developmental-disabilities-more-likely-to-die-from-covid-19/28434/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667705/
View All References
Written by <a href="https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/about-us/mary-ellen-ellis/">Mary Ellen Ellis</a>

Written by Mary Ellen Ellis

Mary Ellen Ellis has been writing for CerebralPalsyGuidance.com since 2016. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds undergraduate and graduate science degrees. As a freelance writer for over 10 years Mary Ellen has used her academic background to specialize in health and science writing. She is committed to making complex medical topics accessible to those who need it.

Mary Ellen feels honored to use her writing skills to shine a light on individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy, and bring awareness to the community.

Secondary Sidebar

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body Parts
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Maternal and Fetal Infections
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2023 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines