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Cognitive functions in adult Down's syndrome
C Caltagirone1, U Nocentini, S Vicari
1Servizio di Neurologia e Riabilitazione, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesú, S. Marinella, Roma, Italy.
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|October 1, 1990
Summary
This study examined cognitive changes in adults with Down syndrome (DS) as they age. Findings suggest that cognitive decline in DS does not mirror the patterns seen in Alzheimer disease (AD).
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is associated with cognitive impairments.
- Aging in individuals with DS may lead to further cognitive changes.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for care and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related cognitive modifications in adults with Down syndrome.
- To compare cognitive profiles of younger and older DS adults.
- To differentiate cognitive patterns in DS from those in Alzheimer disease (AD).
Main Methods:
- Administered a specialized neuropsychological battery to 20 adult DS subjects.
- Compared cognitive performance between younger (mean age 28) and older (mean age 39.8) DS subgroups.
- Used control groups: mentally retarded adults (for young DS) and early Alzheimer disease patients (for old DS).
Main Results:
- Cognitive performances varied between younger and older DS subjects.
- No direct evidence was found to support that cognitive decline in DS replicates AD patterns.
- Qualitative analysis of cognitive patterns differed between DS and AD groups.
Conclusions:
- The cognitive decline observed in aging individuals with Down syndrome does not appear to follow the same trajectory as Alzheimer disease.
- Neuropsychological assessment is vital for understanding specific cognitive profiles in DS across the lifespan.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the unique aging process in Down syndrome.