Background: The scientific literature reports that people with Down syndrome (DS) start aging prematurely so that they can be considered old people at the age of 45. Objective: To highlight the evidences of the scientific literature on neurological diseases of ageing people with DS. Methods: Our review was conducted through two electronic databases: PUBMED and ScienceDirect covering the period from 1960 to 2011. Results: In all studies the prevalence of Alzheimer's increases with age: from 30 to 39 years is 10%, from 40 to 49 years is 25%, from 50 to 55 years is 28% and after 60 years is 75%. The average age of onset is 57 years. The Dementia Alzheimer's type in people with DS is characterized by: changes in behaviour and personality, decline in cognitive functions, psychological changes, ataxia, seizures, urinary and fecal incontinence. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease with severe dementia occurring in about 15% of patients with DS aged over 40. 26% of adults with DS suffer from epilepsy and the average onset is 37 years. Conclusion: Due to early ageing, Alzheimer's and epilepsy in people with DS appear before and more frequently than in general population. So it is appropriate that we share more awareness about adult DS health needs while they age. It is also necessary to combine the medical evaluation of disorders presenting in people with DS due to ageing with the relevant information about social and personal life, according to a broader biopsychosocial perspective.
Neurological diseases of ageing people with Down syndrome: A review from 1960 to 2011
COVELLI, VENUSIA;
2013-01-01
Abstract
Background: The scientific literature reports that people with Down syndrome (DS) start aging prematurely so that they can be considered old people at the age of 45. Objective: To highlight the evidences of the scientific literature on neurological diseases of ageing people with DS. Methods: Our review was conducted through two electronic databases: PUBMED and ScienceDirect covering the period from 1960 to 2011. Results: In all studies the prevalence of Alzheimer's increases with age: from 30 to 39 years is 10%, from 40 to 49 years is 25%, from 50 to 55 years is 28% and after 60 years is 75%. The average age of onset is 57 years. The Dementia Alzheimer's type in people with DS is characterized by: changes in behaviour and personality, decline in cognitive functions, psychological changes, ataxia, seizures, urinary and fecal incontinence. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease with severe dementia occurring in about 15% of patients with DS aged over 40. 26% of adults with DS suffer from epilepsy and the average onset is 37 years. Conclusion: Due to early ageing, Alzheimer's and epilepsy in people with DS appear before and more frequently than in general population. So it is appropriate that we share more awareness about adult DS health needs while they age. It is also necessary to combine the medical evaluation of disorders presenting in people with DS due to ageing with the relevant information about social and personal life, according to a broader biopsychosocial perspective.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
