Diseases Affecting Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals With Trisomy 21

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Medicine
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Life expectancy for individuals with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome, DS) has significantly increased, exceeding 60 years.
• This demographic shift has led to a rise in mid- and later-life diseases, posing new challenges in DS care.
• Understanding and managing these comorbidities is crucial for improving the quality of life for aging individuals with DS.

Approach:

• This narrative review synthesizes information from a selective literature search.
• It incorporates extrapolation of existing evidence and the authors' clinical experience.
• A multidisciplinary perspective is adopted to comprehensively address DS-associated conditions.

Key Points:

• Individuals with DS exhibit a higher prevalence of numerous diseases across various medical specialties.
• Molecular-level understanding of some DS-associated conditions, like hypothyroidism and Alzheimer's disease, is advancing.
• Despite progress in understanding epidemiology and pathophysiology, evidence-based treatment guidelines for many DS-related disorders remain limited.

Conclusions:

• The complexity of Down syndrome-associated morbidity necessitates specialized care approaches.
• Establishing DS-specific multidisciplinary care models is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Integrated care strategies can better address the unique health needs of individuals with DS throughout their lifespan.