2021 LeDeR report into the avoidable deaths of people with learning disabilities was published in July.
The report found a number of things:
- People with a learning disability continue to have a much shorter life expectancy than the wider general public, with 6 out 10 dying before age 65, compared to 1 out of 10 for people from the general population. Those with epilepsy and from minority ethnic backgrounds were more likely to die younger.
- The most common cause of death based on death certificates during 2021 was COVID-19. The estimated excess deaths during 2021 compared to pre-pandemic years was double that of the general population. Being vaccinated reduced the likelihood of dying of COVID-19.
- Approximately half of all deaths of people with a learning disability was deemed to be avoidable, compared to less than a quarter for people from the general population.
Full details can be found here: