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Orofacial dyskinesia in Down's syndrome.
1Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Medical School, St James's Hospital, Dublin.
Summary
Orofacial dyskinesia, involuntary movements of the face and mouth, is common in adults with Down
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Down syndrome, a genetic disorder, is associated with various health complications.
- Orofacial dyskinesia is a potential concern in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of orofacial dyskinesia in adults with Down syndrome.
- To explore the relationship between orofacial dyskinesia and factors like intellectual disability severity and age.
- To assess the influence of prior neuroleptic medication use on these movements.
Main Methods:
- Study included 54 adult patients (aged 30-60) diagnosed with Down syndrome.
- Orofacial dyskinesia was assessed using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).
- Data on intellectual handicap severity, age, and neuroleptic medication history were collected.
Main Results:
- 38 out of 54 patients (70.4%) exhibited orofacial dyskinesia.
- A significant correlation was observed between orofacial dyskinesia and the severity of mental handicap.
- No association was found between abnormal movements and patient age or previous neuroleptic medication use.
Conclusions:
- Orofacial dyskinesia is highly prevalent in adults with Down syndrome.
- The severity of intellectual disability is a key factor associated with these involuntary movements.
- Further research may explore underlying mechanisms and targeted interventions for orofacial dyskinesia in this population.