Snyder, Heather MBain, Lisa JBrickman, Adam MCarrillo, Maria CEsbensen, Anna JEspinosa, Joaquin MFernandez, FabianFortea, JuanHartley, Sigan LHead, ElizabethHendrix, JamesKishnani, Priya SLai, FlorenceLao, PatrickLemere, CynthiaMobley, WilliamMufson, Elliott JPotter, HuntingtonZaman, Shahid HGranholm, Ann-CharlotteRosas, H DianaStrydom, AndreWhitten, Michelle SieRafii, Michael S
Summary
Improved medical care of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) has led to an increased life expectancy to over the age of 60 years. Because those with Down syndrome are reaching advanced ages more frequently, we have also seen more age-related comorbidities in this population including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In March 2019, the Alzheimer's Association, Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the LuMind IDSC Foundation came together to better understand the intersection between AD and DS research. Attendees identified gaps in understanding the biological background, risk factors, and biomarkers for DS-AD. Conclusions made included a need for expanded studies aimed at the prevention of dementia in the DS population as well as expanded brain banking, data sharing and pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention studies and combination therapies are greatly needed to enhance the care of aging adults with DS.
Abstract
Improved medical care of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) has led to an increase in life expectancy to over the age of 60 years. In conjunction, there has been an increase in age-related co-occurring conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding the factors that underlie symptom and age of clinical presentation of dementia in people with DS may provide insights into the mechanisms of sporadic and DS-associated AD (DS-AD). In March 2019, the Alzheimer's Association, Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the LuMind IDSC Foundation partnered to convene a workshop to explore the state of the research on the intersection of AD and DS research; to identify research gaps and unmet needs; and to consider how best to advance the field. This article provides a summary of discussions, including noting areas of emerging science and discovery, considerations for future studies, and identifying open gaps in our understanding for future focus.
Conditions
Alzheimer Disease, Dementia, Trisomy