Down Syndrome and Dementia: A Guide for Families

People with Down syndrome are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. In Australia most people with Down syndrome can now expect to live on average to 60 years of age, and more than one in ten adults with Down syndrome will live to 70 years. As we get older we are all prone to age related health conditions. Older adults with Down syndrome experience some age-related conditions at a younger age and more often than people in general. Many people are not aware that there is a link between Down syndrome and dementia. People with Down syndrome are more likely to get dementia and on average at a younger age than other people in the population. While this may be confronting to know, it is also helpful to understand the links between health and lifestyle so that you can take action to reduce the risk of dementia, recognize the signs of dementia, and do what you can to support a person with Down syndrome if they do develop dementia. This 24-page family-friendly guide was issued by Down Syndrome Australia.
Author: Dr. Jennifer Torr (Monash University)