Could Libby be the oldest living female with Down's Syndrome in Britain?

Happy 73rd birthday, Libby!

Often described as a social butterfly, Libby, during her more independent days, enjoyed having a job, catching a bus to town and chatting to the many people she knew in the community.

Recently, Libby and her niece, Julie, were featured on an ITV News segment (see the video below), which highlighted that those with learning disabilities (LD) are five times more likely to develop early onset dementia (i.e., before the age of 65) than the general population. For people with LD, dementia screening is recommended to start at the age of 30.

Libby was diagnosed with dementia in her 50s but has continued the bright, playful character for which is she’s renowned, the with support of Les Amis – who has been there for her and her family for 32 years. In 1991, Les Amis started supporting Libby. She used to live with her father, until he became elderly with dementia himself.

At the age of 73, Libby is most likely the oldest living female with Down’s Syndrome (DS) in Britain. Back when she born, in the 1950s, many people with DS did not live past the age of 15, according to the Nursing Times.

Les Amis would like to thank Libby, her family, BBC.co.uk, BBC Jersey, BBC Radio, Bailiwick Express and ITV for sharing her amazing story and helping us celebrate this special milestone.