Preventable fraction of mental retardation: Analysis based on individuals with severe mental retardation

Reduction in the prevalence of mental retardation has been identified as a national goal since 1971. President Nixon proposed the year 2000 as a benchmark, by which time the prevalence of severe mental retardation should be reduced by as much as 50%. An analysis to determine the fraction of severe mental retardation that could be prevented with strategies currently available indicates that the goal will not be met. Knowledge of the causes oi: severe mental retardation is fundamental to developing prevention strategies. Increased diagnostic capability-clinical and laboratory-must be dramatically increased if a 50% reduction in the prevalence of severe mental retardation is to be achieved in the foreseeable future.