Down's Syndrome and Risk for Early-Onset Dementia

Down's syndrome is a life altering health condition that affects thousands of live births each year. As a complication associated with a defect on chromosome 13, children who are born with Down's syndrome develop not only physical health complications but also mental health complications. If you are the parent of a child who has Down's syndrome, it is imperative that you become familiar with not only the more immediate health issues your child will face, but also the risks for developing early-onset adult dementia.

Dementia is a common part of aging and a condition that we typically see in older adults. It is believed that through the natural aging process, coupled with poor diet and environmental factors, the brain begins to lose synaptic pulse ability and plaque begins to develop. Overtime, the brain does not function in the same manner and, as a result, older adults are diagnosed with dementia complications. When this type of health condition affects an adult in an early part of life, the condition is then considered to be "early onset dementia".

For Down's children, there is a risk for developing early-onset dementia due to the genetic pre-disposition for such health complications. In addition, because Down's syndrome children already have co-morbid complications with brain development and growth, there is a greater tendency for plaque development to occur at a very young age. While there are few methods for mitigating this risk, some Down's syndrome children are benefited from exercise and a good quality diet.

As the parent of a child who has Down's syndrome, it is important to speak with your child's healthcare team about the issues with long term risk for dementia. Even when the life expectancy for your child is shortened, these risks with dementia are still a concern and should be addressed. With brain and occupational therapy, some children with Down's syndrome are given the tools to continue to function despite their Down's syndrome and these same healthcare professionals can often diagnose the complication right when it begins to show symptoms.

Dementia is a very real diagnosis for many adults and has come to be a health complication for Down's syndrome children who live into adulthood. As the parent of a child with Down's, be sure to know what the signs and symptoms of dementia may be and work to improve your child's mental and cognitive health thru a healthy diet and an increase in intellectually stimulating activity.

Sources: Neuropsychological Assessments of Dementia in Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities, by Vee Prasher