WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY (MENTAL RETARDATION)?
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (thinking, learning, problem solving) and adaptive behavior (conceptual, social, and practical skills). Intellectual disability affects daily living and independence
WHEN DOES INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY BEGIN?
IN usually manifests in early childhood, often being noticeable before school age. It may be caused by genetic, infectious, metabolic, toxic, or traumatic factors that affect brain development in utero, infancy, or early childhood.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Cognitive impairment: decreased IQ (<70), problems with logic, memory, attention, problem solving.
Deficit of adaptive skills: difficulties in self-care, communication, social interactions, learning, independent living.
Behavioral symptoms: anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, mood disorders.
Neurological signs: impaired motor coordination, sensory disturbances.
WHAT CHANGES IN THE BRAIN PRECURSE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY?
Structural abnormalities: decreased brain volume, thinning of the cortex, changes in coagulation.
Synaptic dysfunction: disturbances in synapse formation, changes in dendritic spines, neurotransmitter imbalance.
White matter changes: abnormal myelination that impairs signal transmission.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: lack of energy leading to neuronal damage.
WHICH AREAS OF THE BRAIN ARE AFFECTED IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY?
Prefrontal cortex: impairment of executive functions (decision making, impulse control).
Hippocampus: learning and memory problems.
Basal ganglia: motor and behavioral disorders.
Cerebellum: impaired motor coordination and cognitive functions.
Corpus callosum: deterioration of communication between the hemispheres of the brain.
WHAT ARE THE OFFICIAL VIEWS ABOUT THE CAUSES OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY?
Genetic causes: Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, metabolic disorders (eg, phenylketonuria).
Prenatal factors: maternal infections (TORCH), exposure to toxins, malnutrition.
Perinatal factors: hypoxia at birth, prematurity, low birth weight.
Postnatal causes: traumatic brain injury, infections (meningitis, encephalitis), exposure to toxins.
THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION AND NEUROINFLAMMATORY IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Chronic neuroinflammation disrupts brain development, causing:
Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), which leads to neuronal damage.
Inhibition of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
Activation of microglia and astrocytes, which enhance oxidative stress and excitotoxicity.
Correlation with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and epilepsy.
THE ROLE OF CHRONIC AND LATENT INFECTIONS IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, CMV, herpes): can cause IN through direct neuronal damage and immune inflammation.
Chronic viral infections (CMV, HSV, EBV): associated with persistent neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction.
Bacterial infections (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, H. pylori): possible contribution to neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Endotoxemia from the Gut: Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut May Contribute to Brain Inflammation
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND IMMUNE SYSTEM DYSREGULATION
Abnormal cytokine profile: increased IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17 are associated with impaired neurodevelopment.
Autoimmune reactions: autoantibodies have been identified that attack brain structures.
Maternal immune activation: Inflammation during pregnancy increases the risk of FI.
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND THE MICROBIOME
Gut-brain axis dysfunction: disrupted microbiota composition affects nervous system development.
Increased intestinal permeability: promotes systemic and neuroinflammation.
Bacterial metabolites (CCK, LPS): may alter neurotransmitter activity.
INTELLECTUAL INSUFFICIENCY AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEM DYSREGULATION
Hypothyroidism: Critical for brain development, deficiency leads to cognitive impairment.
Cortisol imbalance: Chronic stress impairs cognitive function.
Insulin resistance: reduces the energy supply to neurons.
INTELLECTUAL INSUFFICIENCY AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEM DYSREGULATION
Hypothyroidism: Critical for brain development, deficiency leads to cognitive impairment.
Cortisol imbalance: Chronic stress impairs cognitive function.
Insulin resistance: reduces the energy supply to neurons.
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND METABOLIC DYSREGULATION
Mitochondrial dysfunction: ATP deficiency impairs cognitive function.
Lipid metabolism disorder: affects myelination and the integrity of neuronal membranes.
Defects in amino acid metabolism: phenylketonuria, homocystinuria impair cognitive abilities.
OFFICIAL METHODS OF TREATMENT OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Behavioral therapy: ABA, occupational therapy, speech therapy.
Educational programs: special training adapted to cognitive abilities.
Drug treatment:
Psychostimulants (to improve attention).
Anticonvulsants (for epilepsy).
Antipsychotics (to control behavior).
Supportive therapy: training in social and life skills.
OFFICIAL METHODS OF TREATMENT OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Behavioral therapy: ABA, occupational therapy, speech therapy.
Educational programs: special training adapted to cognitive abilities.
Drug treatment:
Psychostimulants (to improve attention).
Anticonvulsants (for epilepsy).
Antipsychotics (to control behavior).
Supportive therapy: training in social and life skills.
DIAGNOSTICS OF THE MAIN PATHOLOGIES IN CASES OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY (MENTAL RETARDATION)
Detection of infections
State of the immune system
Identification of types of inflammation and neuroinflammation
Levels of autoimmune and allergic pathologies
Endocrine pathologies
Microbiome assessment
Presence of metabolic insufficiency
OUR THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-INFECTIOUS METHODS OF IMPROVING INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY SYMPTOMS
Anti-inflammatory drugs:
Antiviral therapy:
Antibacterial therapy:
Microbiome Support:
Metabolic support: