Aging with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Before the mid-twentieth century, few people with CP survived to adulthood. Now, 65% to 90% of children with CP survive. Because of improvements in intensive care techniques leading to the increased survival of very low-birth-weight infants and the increased longevity of the general population, there are a large number of disabled adults requiring medical care. Adults with CP have medical and social issues that are unique to them. Although there is an increasing awareness of the rights of people with disabilities, there is more work to be done particularly as relates to the cost and availability of adaptive equipment and exercise. In recent years, more attention has been given to studying the needs of this growing part of the population. However, much remains to be investigated to improve the quality of life for these patients.