Epilepsy is more prevalent in people with learning disabilities than in the general population and there are a number of rare epilepsy syndromes closely associated with learning disability. These syndromes are challenging to manage, notably because seizures are often refractory, the risk of status epilepticus is high and comorbidities are usually present. People with a rare epilepsy syndrome need high levels of specialist support throughout their lives. Such syndromes are rare, but professionals who care for people with learning disabilities are likely to encounter them at some point in their career. Improved knowledge and understanding of rare epilepsy syndromes can assist learning disability nurses to provide adequate information, care and support to service users, family members and paid carers as well as to other healthcare professionals.This article explains the association between epilepsy and learning disability, describes rare epilepsy syndromes and explores the goals of treatment, additional treatment options and challenges of management.

People with learning disabilities have poorer health outcomes and are at increased risk of premature death compared with the general population. It is crucial that they attend routine annual health checks and screening appointments in primary care, but there are many barriers preventing them from doing so and accessing adequate care provision. As a result, they are likely to experience delays in diagnosis and treatment for undetected health conditions. This article identifies some of the barriers to effective service provision for people with learning disabilities in primary care. It describes how learning disability nurses and learning disability support workers can assist staff in primary care to improve the experiences of people with learning disabilities when attending healthcare appointments such as annual health checks, blood tests, cancer screening and other routine investigations.

The health and well-being benefits of physical activity are well documented, but it has been identified that many adults with learning disabilities engage in low levels of activity. Behaviour change theories can explain the facilitators of and barriers to healthy behaviours and can result in more effective interventions. This article outlines two of the most commonly used behaviour change theories: the transtheoretical model and social cognitive theory. Using a fictional case study, it explores how these two theories can be applied by health and social care staff to enhance physical activity levels in adults with learning disabilities. The author discusses the importance of considering readiness to change, robust social support mechanisms and inclusive environments.

Health promotion can be used with people who have learning disabilities to reduce health inequalities

Multiple factors can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia for people with learning disabilities. Find out what symptoms are red flags and what to do if you are concerned

How nurses can help avoid inappropriate DNACPR recommendations for people with learning disabilities

Learning disability nurses may be disheartened by NHS England’s reports on care failings at Cawston Park Hospital (pictured), but the reviews can spark much-needed change

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is often used with people with learning disabilities to improve their quality of life and support a reduction in behaviour that challenges. To increase the effectiveness of a PBS intervention, it is important that the person concerned is involved in its development, which may require creativity on the part of professionals. This article presents the story of Jack (a pseudonym), an autistic young person with a mild learning disability whose behaviour that challenges had increased in frequency and severity. The author describes how he supported Jack to contribute to the development of his PBS intervention by using an accessible communication method, Talking Mats, and to engage in the PBS intervention through co-production of a video.

Nurses should make the most of resources available and ask questions related to menopause

While the Learning Disability Mortality Review highlights health inequalities, demonstrable service change is non-existent