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Aging and Down syndrome: implications for physical therapy
Robert C Barnhart1, Barbara Connolly
1Department of Physical Therapy, East Tennessee State University, Box 70624, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA. barnhart@etsu.edu
Physical Therapy
|August 23, 2007
Summary
As adults with Down syndrome (DS) age, they face increased health risks. Exercise can help prevent age-related conditions, improving quality of life and healthy years for the DS population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Lifelong developmental delays, particularly Down syndrome (DS), are increasingly affecting the aging population.
- Increased life expectancy in individuals with DS necessitates understanding age-related changes impacting function and participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline common age-related body function and structure changes in adults with DS.
- To review exercise research for preventing activity limitations and participation restrictions in aging adults with DS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of aging-related conditions in Down syndrome.
- Synthesis of current exercise research applied to the DS population.
Main Results:
- Common age-related changes in adults with DS include thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular disorders, obesity, musculoskeletal issues, Alzheimer disease, and depression.
- Exercise interventions show potential for mitigating age-related health declines in adults with DS.
Conclusions:
- A paradigm shift is needed from disability prevention to preventing conditions that limit activity and participation in aging adults with DS.
- Exercise programs are crucial for enhancing overall health, quality of life, and healthy life years in adults with Down syndrome.
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