Learning disabilities may arise due to environmental or genetic factors, which account for 20-40% of cases. There are no complete classifications of causes, most common are chromosomal anomalies such as Downs Syndrome (in about 25%); abnormalities of the central nervous system (9%); Cerebral Palsy (7%) etc.

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Current estimates suggest that in London there are around 35,000 people with a learning disability (administratively defined). It is anticipated that this number will increase very slightly over the next 10 years.

The following factors are all likely to influence the estimated number of people with a learning disability:

This masks a change in the ethnic composition and age structure. The number of people with a learning disability classified as white are expected to decline, (although this group will still represent an estimated 70 % of the population of people with a learning disability). This is offset by an estimated 10% growth in numbers from BMEGs, which also tend to be younger. In terms of the overall population of people with a learning disability the largest absolute increases are expected in the age categories 40 years and above, which is largely attributable to demography.

It is clear that some health problems are more common amongst people with learning disabilities. Most common are epilepsy, cerebral palsy, heart conditions and sensory loss. It has been estimated that 50% of people with a learning disability have a sensory impairment.

The past decade has seen a major shift away from segregated institutions towards smaller homes and ordinary housing for people with learning difficulties. There has also been an increase in the numbers of older people within this group.

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Reliable information, from routine sources about the prevalence of learning disabilities are rare. Moreover information about the health status of people with learning disabilities are even rarer.

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