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This article provides separate, but linked, overviews of learning disability policy in the four countries of the UK, commenting on current policy and its links to the wider policy agenda, delivery strategies and challenges for the future. The authors are each responsible for the element relating to their country.

Following its development and evaluation in Western Australia, local area co‐ordination (LAC) has been included as an integral part of the strategy for people with learning disabilities in Scotland. LAC responds to the wishes of people with learning disabilities and family carers for more direct access to services and for continuity and co‐ordination of support. Local area co‐ordinators (LACs) work directly with individuals and families to help them find the information and local supports they need.

Presents the debates conducted during themed workshops. Considers the implications of historical and consumption factors alongside research questions. The themes considered include dietary change, low income households, health education, food industry and government policies. Concludes that there is a need for a continuing and wide ranging debate to assess and evaluate structural, regional and local activities and policies.

Adults with Down's Syndrome are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in later life. This paper gives an overview of the current research in the area and discusses the implications it raises for individuals, carers and service providers. Information on the link between Down's Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease and prevalence rates are given. The clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and a stage model documenting the progression of the disease are presented. Attention is drawn to the problems inherent in assessing and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in a person with a pre‐existing learning disability. The importance of a thorough assessment procedure and guidelines for assessment methods are highlighted. The paper also discusses the management of Alzheimer's disease and focuses on care management practices and recommendations for service provision. Guidelines for supporting individuals include maintaining skills, adopting a person‐centred approach, implementing psychosocial interventions and multidisciplinary care management. Finally, high prevalence rates of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down's Syndrome and increasing life spans are highlighted as a particular concern, and recommendations for the future include increasing education and awareness, implementing screening services, improving assessment methods and developing appropriate services.