Feasibility of Measuring Hair Glucocorticoids as a Potential Biomarker for Chronic Stress in Older Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

This study explored the feasibility of using scalp hair glucocorticoids (HairGC) as a biomarker for chronic stress in older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). In a cohort of 278 participants, the overall feasibility of measuring HairGC was moderate, with successful measurements in 32% of participants. The consent rate was 73%, the collection rate was 50%, and the analysis rate was 86%. The main challenge was insufficient hair length or thickness, particularly affecting males and those with severe ID. HairGC measurement was more feasible in females and those with moderate ID, suggesting limited applicability for stress assessment in older, balding males.