Women with intellectual disabilities experience menopause earlier, with fewer than half knowing symptoms, according to research
A guide on the impact menopause has on heart health has been launched for women with intellectual disabilities.
The Irish Heart Foundation designed the ‘Menopause and Your Heart Health’ resource, providing critical information about the effect of menopause on cardiovascular health.
Previous research from Trinity College Dublin found that women with intellectual disabilities experience menopause earlier – at around age 48 on average – compared to an average age of 51 in the general population, with an even earlier age of around 44 for women with Down Syndrome.
The findings also showed that less than half of women with an intellectual disability know what menopause is and what the symptoms are – a possible contributary factor to people with intellectual disabilities being at increased risk of death from heart disease and stroke.
The new health literacy and easy-read resource was developed in partnership with Inclusion Ireland and Ability West and launched at an event in Darmagh Community Centre in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
“Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of premature death and disability among both men and women in this country and improving health literacy is a vital step in prevention and early intervention,” said Janis Morrissey, director of services at the Irish Heart Foundation.
“We are dedicated to improving health equity by recognising and addressing gaps in the current heart health information landscape.
“We are here for all individuals, here for every community, here for every heartbeat.”
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death and disability in Ireland and was responsible for 28 per cent of all deaths in 2024.
One-in-four women dies from heart disease and stroke, with menopause a significant risk factor for CVD in women.
Last year, with the help of the Department of Health Women’s Health Fund, the stroke and heart charity was able to specifically target marginalised women, with the Traveller community and women with disabilities identified as priority groups.
In Ireland, 110,000 people or two per cent of the population have an intellectual disability with about 34,600 people in disability day services.
‘Menopause and Your Heart Health’ is available from the Irish Heart Foundation and online at irishheart.ie. Copies are also available through Inclusion Ireland and Ability West and relevant community groups across Offaly.
