Down syndrome

Overview

People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21^st chromosome, which can cause learning difficulties, health issues, and other symptoms. However, thanks to recent medical advances, people with Down syndrome are living longer than before: usually into their fifties.

Symptoms

Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of severe learning disabilities in children and can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, health issues and some physical abnormalities.

Warning signs of dementia in a person with Down syndrome

The first sign of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome is often changes in their behaviour and personality. In an individual with Down syndrome, it is essential to pay attention to behavioural changes such as:

• Reduced empathy,
• Social withdrawal,
• Emotional instability, and
• Apathy.

Another warning sign can be if the individual with Down syndrome is experiencing seizures for the first time in their life.

Ideally, at age 30 every individual with Down syndrome should have testing done to assess their cognitive or functional abilities. This baseline can be used when assessing if the individual has experienced a decline in cognitive ability or functioning. It can be helpful to conduct regular testing to monitor cardiovascular health, diabetes and to differentiate between other conditions that may present similar symptoms as dementia.

Risk factors

The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome is about three to five times greater than in the general population. As with Alzheimer’s disease, the risk increases with age.

The link between Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome lies in the 21^st chromosome, which people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of.

The production of a protein that can lead to the development of plaques in the brain—a hallmark characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease—is linked to that chromosome.

Since people with Down syndrome have an additional copy of the 21^st chromosome, they are prone to an over-production of the protein. However, it is worth noting that not everyone with Down syndrome develops Alzheimer’s disease.

More resources

Canadian Guide for Community Care and Supports for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia. Reena. This guide is meant to help planning, preparation for and the creation of dementia capable supports and services for adults with intellectual disabilities in Canada. The guide was created for adults with an intellectual disability, their families, staff and disability, health and seniors organizations involved in providing supports and services.

Today & Tomorrow: A Guide to Aging with Down Syndrome. Canadian Down Syndrome Society. This resource can help people with Down syndrome and their caregivers learn more about the aging process and to plan and prepare for the future, including recognizing and dealing with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Aging with Down Syndrome - 3.21 Magazine, Summer 2023. Canadian Down Syndrome Society and Down Syndrome Resource Foundation. This issue of 3.21 Magazine features several items about aging, including an interview with a neuroscientist about Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

Last updated: April 26, 2024